Warm Hearts in Winter

Weekenders Romance Watch

Author: Helen Pollard
Genre: Mainstream Romance
Buy: Amazon

Blurb:
When Abby Davis accepts an assignment in the wilds of Yorkshire as personal assistant to a widowed novelist, she assumes he’s an ageing recluse. Jack Blane is anything but. Still struggling to get his life and career back on track after his wife’s death, Jack isn’t ready for a breath of fresh air like Abby. Snowed in at his winter retreat, as the weeks go by Abby must rethink her policy of never getting involved at work … and Jack must decide if he’s willing to risk love a second time.

Enchanting Excerpt:
Blinking against the sudden light, Abby held out her gloved hand.

"Mr Blane, I presume?" She tried for the most professional manner she could manage. It wasn't as successful as she would have liked due to the snowflakes catching in her mouth and her teeth chattering.

When she gave an involuntary shiver, a hand shot out to quickly shake hers in response.

"Yes. You must be Miss Davis. For goodness' sake, come on in out of the cold. This is no time to be standing on ceremony." He stood aside for her to clump over the doorstep, showering snow as she came. "I've been caught up in my work. I had no idea the weather had got so bad," he said apologetically as he closed the door on the icy wind. "Let's get you out of those wet things and into the warmth."

As her eyes adjusted to the bright hallway light, Abby froze - but not from the cold. Oh, no. This was not what she had expected, not at all. In a desperate attempt to reassure herself she would be perfectly safe working alone with a strange man out here in the wilds, she'd spent the car journey creating an image in her mind's eye of what her new boss would be like. That image was of someone much older, much stuffier. Casey had led her to believe he was a loner, some sort of unsociable hermit hunched over his writing all day. A widower, she'd said, implying someone middle-aged or even elderly. Someone harmless.

Jack Blane was anything but.


Website/Blog: www.helenpollardwrites.wordpress.com

 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Helen-Pollard-Writes/372986142839624?fref=photo 

Christmas Fete

Weekenders Romance Watch

Author: Barbara Miller
Genre: Mainstream Romance
Buy: EllorasCave


Blurb:
When Dinah’s father inherits an estate, he decides she and her brother must go settle the matter. They arrive to find the place in need of much repair—and holiday spirit. As Dinah plans a cheerful fete for Christmas in hope of winning over the locals, she finds herself winning over someone else as well—Richard, the handsome man who lives next door.

Richard never expected to meet someone like Dinah—a woman who is headstrong and decisive. A woman he could spend his life with. Unfortunately, Richard needs a Christmas miracle to extricate himself from a tricky obligation.

If it’s a miracle he needs to be free, Dinah is determined he’ll get it—that way they can spend their Christmas fete together and everyone can enjoy their happily ever afters.


Enchanting Excerpt:

Richard wet his lips, which had gone numb. “I’m not sure how it happened.”

“You were compelled to offer for her,” Dinah whispered.

“Somewhat reluctantly. Later I suspected she manipulated me into it, but that does her an injustice. I did offer.” He saw tears sparkling on Dinah’s lashes and raised a finger to brush them away but she ducked her head.

“Should we announce your engagement during the festivities? People will hear of it soon enough.”

“Please don’t. I keep hoping something will happen to prevent it, the earth crack or a violent storm that will blow the two of us away from here, never to return. I want to be with you, only you, always. Life with Ophelia will be living a lie.”

She smiled at his fantasy. “And yet you are bound to honor your generous impulse.”

“I don’t want to. I only offered because I had never met anyone like you before, never met you, who seem to be the only like-minded soul I have ever found on this earth. You understand me.”

“I am in the same case. I never thought about marriage until I met you, someone who actually cares, who takes me seriously.”
 
He took her in his arms and kissed her, the heavy coat falling to the floor. If only this moment could go on forever. He could imagine their future life, lose himself in it, but then she dipped her head with a sigh.
 
“I am so glad we did that at least once,” she said.

 
Website: www.fallsbend.net
Contacts:
https://www.ellorascave.com/index.php/authors/index/author/slug/barbara-miller/

https://griffinslair.setonhill.edu/mymenu/faculty_vitae_index.cfm

Change of Heart

Weekenders Romance Watch

Author: C.J. Rand
Genre: Mainstream Romance
Buy: Amazon


Blurb:
Pop star Cheyenne Roberts has a singing voice that’s earned her two platinum albums. No one knows she’s a prisoner of her former pimp, Ice Boudreaux. When her tour bus breaks down in the middle of nowhere, she flees, determined to leave her demons behind.

When Paul Sampson picks up a hitchhiker one night, it turns out to be Cheyenne. She’s suffering from withdrawal symptoms and has baggage she’s not willing to discuss. Paul doesn’t care about her past, only her future, which he envisions himself a part of.

But Ice wants his superstar back. Will Cheyenne have a chance at redemption before Ice destroys the new life she’s built? 


Enchanting Excerpt:

She held Paul’s gaze, staring into green eyes that made her think of the moss-covered bayous in Louisiana where she played as a child. With bronzed skin kissed by the sun, eyebrows as thick as caterpillars, and lips that looked perfect for kissing, he looked more like a model than a reverend. As he sat across from her in a striped blue shirt and camel slacks, he exuded confidence.  He was far from cocky, but anyone who spoke to him for more than a minute knew he was a man in charge. She wondered how any female parishioner within a hundred mile radius could focus on the sermon with this hottie in sight.

She knew she shouldn’t think of him like that. She had no business even talking to him. He was a man of God.  If he knew the vile things she’d done.  The things she’d allowed to be done to her body. The substances she’d ingested to make her forget her repugnant memories.  The abuse she’d accepted in exchange for one iota of affection. The pain and humiliation she’d been subjected to. What would he think of her then? 



Website: http://cjrand.com
Email: rand3435@yahoo.com

The Christmas Lights

Weekenders Romance Watch

Author: Rachael Kosinski
Genre: Mainstream Romance
Buy: Amazon


Blurb:
"Where do Christmas lights come from?"
Those tiny bulbs of color that burn on a Christmas tree,
Or outside a house to shine in the night.
Does anyone really know where they originate? What if someone told you
They weren't intended for Christmas at all,
But really for a miracle?
That they were for love, a desperate idea, to light a boy's way home?
In that case, you must have some questions. What boy? What love?
Have a seat. Allow me to tell you a story.


Enchanting Excerpt: 
"Louis!"

"…I hear factories in London are much safer than here."

"London! Louis, Louis, what are you talking about?" Emmy grabbed my face. I squinted at two sparkling brown orbs. Was she crying? "No." Emmy covered her mouth with a hand. "No, you aren't going to London. How could you? No one loves you there. No one knows you there…"

"Emmy. Emmy Emmy Emmy." I held her close, stroking her hair. "I don't plan to work there."

She sat back. "What?"

"I've heard Mr. Godfrey talk about them. A London factory is the last place I should work. Your father means well, but I can't do that. They wouldn't take a blind boy."

"Wh-where will you go, then? How on earth will you make money?"

"I have family in Paris. Mother says they have wine vineyards. I'll work for them."

"That…" Emmy's fingers traced the veins on the back of my hand. "That's much safer." She was silent for the longest time. "You'll be safe? And come home quickly?"

I pulled her hands away and stood, playing with the ring on her finger. "I will. I love you."

"Louis…"

"Emmy. I don't have a choice. You want to marry me, don't you?"

"Of course I do. But, Louis…"

"Yes, love?"

"How long will you be gone?"

How long? How long to board a ship, to find a place I'd only heard about, to earn and save an impossible amount of money? How long, indeed. I set my expression. "I'll be home by Christmas."



Blog: http://www.the-doodling-booktease.tumblr.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9856335.Rachael_Kosinski

A Way from Heart to Heart

Weekenders Romance Watch

 

Author: Helena Fairfax
Genre: Mainstream Romance
Buy: Amazon

 
Blurb:
After the death of her husband in Afghanistan, Kate Hemingway’s world collapses around her. Kate’s free time is spent with a charity for teenage girls in London, helping them mend their broken lives – which is ironic, since her own life is fractured beyond repair.

Reserved, upper-class journalist Paul Farrell is everything Kate and her teenage charges aren’t. But when Paul agrees to help Kate with her charity on a trip to the Yorkshire moors, he makes a stunning revelation that changes everything.

But can Kate take a risk with her son’s happiness as well as her own?



Enchanting Excerpt:
I know I’m not like Stuart,’ he said. ‘Stuart was easy and open with everyone he met. And I know I kept things hidden from you. But I loved you from the start. Loved you more than I love my own happiness. More than I love my own life.’

The bird called again, and rustled deeper into the heather. Paul took Kate’s face in his hands, and bent to kiss her.  This time it was no gentle meeting of lips, but a mouth filled with tender, urgent passion. Kate leaned into him, and the sun beat down on them both as they kissed, easing the chill and filling Kate’s very bones with heat.


Blog: www.helenafairfax.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HelenaFairfax
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/helenafairfax/

Blue December

Weekenders Romance Watch

Author: Karen McCullough
Genre: Mainstream Romance
Buy: Amazon

Blurb:
Two weeks before Christmas Meg Brandt, a department manager at Wambash’s department store, has problems beyond the usual seasonal chaos. Her department is losing cash from the registers and inventory from the premises. Security is focusing on her, since the losses are happening on her watch. Her efforts to resolve the disappearances have produced no results, and her career appears to be headed for oblivion. When the store’s new security officer starts showing unusual attention to her, Meg isn’t sure what to think. She’s attracted to him, but she can’t be sure if his interest is personal or professional.


Enchanting Excerpt:
Meg was so focused on the angry woman, wondering how she was going to both soothe and get rid of her that she actually jumped when a male voice behind her asked, "Is something wrong?"

She whirled to face the newcomer, a virtual stranger who, nevertheless, acted as though he belonged there. No, not a stranger. Meg remembered that he'd been introduced at the last staff meeting as the new assistant to the head of security. At the time she'd been torn between wondering why the head of security suddenly needed an assistant and watching the reaction of the female clerks to the new employee, so she hadn't actually paid much attention to him. Anyway that had been almost a week ago and the pre-holiday chaos had occupied most of her waking (and some of her sleeping) moments since.

She avoided making an introduction -- she couldn't remember the man's name -- and explained the situation to him. He had cool hazel-green eyes which melted into warmth and fiery charm, directed toward the angry woman with all the deliberate aim of an archer. Within minutes he was guiding the woman toward the customer service desk so she could lodge a formal complaint. Meg breathed a sigh of relief as they left. When the man turned to glance at her briefly as they rounded the corner to the main aisle, she offered him a grateful smile. The look he gave in return held no hint of warmth or charm. It wasn't unfriendly either. She searched her mind for a description. Unreadable. Inscrutable -- that was the word she wanted.


Website: http://www.kmccullough.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KarenMcCulloughAuthor
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/kgmccullough/

Fresh Beginnings

Weekenders Romance Watch

Author: Iris Blobel
Genre: Mainstream Romance
Buy: Amazon


Blurb:
The small town of Hobart in Tasmania has witnessed many beginnings in recent years. At yet one more beginning, the wedding of a friend, Jared Fraser decides it’s time for some fresh beginnings to come his way… And he sets out for a holiday to the US to travel along the Route 66 in a motorhome.

Ivy Bennett thought leaving her boyfriend would be the hard part. It doesn’t take long to figure out how wrong she was. As she struggles with making a new start in her life, the last person she expects to lead her to happiness is a laid-back Australian on holiday.
Then the arrival of family friend Mia Levesque and her boyfriend, Josh, turns Jared’s holidays upside-down when he’s forced to play arbitrator between the two teenagers.


Enchanting Excerpt:

"G'day!" He stared at her and for some reason something tugged at his heart. Not that he wanted that. He had no room for women, let alone American ones. They all were on earth to make life complicated. Mark was constantly running around for Sophie or Hope, even though Mark's wife was one in a million and little Hope was simply adorable, especially when she was asleep.

"Ya know it's dangerous to hitch a ride," he finally said when she was still quiet.

She stared at him for a moment, but then replied with the typical American twang in her voice. "I know you said something, but I have no idea what."

He chuckled. "It is dangerous to hitchhike," he repeated with exaggerated pronunciation.

The woman stepped a bit closer to the window. "Are you from Austria?"

He laughed aloud.

"Australia, I meant," she added, seemingly embarrassed by the mistake.

"I am indeed." He watched her looking ahead towards the horizon. "So you wanna hitch a ride?"

Jared had a feeling she didn't want to, but her current situation didn't give her many choices. There they were in the middle of nowhere, with the next place a fair few miles away.

"Name's Jared," he said and then he opened the door and walked around the motorhome. Leaning against the vehicle, he looked at her. She was pretty. Thin, but pretty. When her brown eyes met his, he experienced another one of those heart tugs and wasn't impressed at all. He tried to look right past her. It wasn't happening though. They were like magnets.

"Jared," he repeated and held out his hand.

Her look went right past him into the distance, and he assumed she was fighting with herself, part of her wanting to get off the road, the other part being worried.


Blog: www.iris-b.blogspot.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4067254.Iris_Blobel
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/@_iris_b

Exposed Practices

Weekenders Romance Watch

Love Unexpected Series
Author: Arneda Everett
Genre: Mainstream Romance
Buy: Amazon


Blurb:
Gidget Keegan is a frazzled mess whose stress has been skyrocketing for months. Advised by her doctor, Gidget seek professional help from the attractive Dr. Cortland Lord. Gidget begins to have secret erotic sessions with the gorgeous doctor. However appearances are everything in Gidget’s line of work. Will her getting help cause unforeseen detrimental consequences.



Enchanting Excerpt:
Gidget was starting to lose her mind. She could only imagine how sexy he looked. Her mind filled with images of a tall mysterious creature.

“I was referred by your friend Adrian Clint. She said that you might have time to help me with things. Do you have an appointment available? I know you are quite the busy lady.” As Cortland had continued to talk, Gidget heard a trace of an accent. Where was it from? Oh my, she thought to herself, please not from Great Britain. Gidget knew that she had a weakness for the British accent. This only fueled her fantasies more.

Gidget, trying to remain calm, took a deep breath and answered him. “Yes, I do have time.  You’re in luck. In fact an opening just came up. I’m free.” She paused for a moment, fighting back her nerves, then continued. “In about, mmm, let’s say an hour. Will that work for you, Mr. Lord?”

What if he said no? Please, Keegan, she scolded herself internally. It’s not like you asked him to be yours for the rest of your life. Gidget sat back, stunned at her last thought. Why did her brain go there? She hadn’t even seen this guy.


Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Arneda-Everett/e/B00OMM68BW

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/arnedawriter

Christmas Crush

Weekenders Romance Watch

My new Christmas romance released today! Enjoy reading this excerpt. Then, go to Mickie's Mutterings to read the entire first chapter. Leave me a comment.

Author: Mickie Sherwood

Genre: Inspirational Romance

Buy: Amazon

Blurb:

Although Ashley Wagner feels more like Scrooge than Santa, she keeps her promise and accompanies her sister back home for a Christmas wedding. Her three-day weekend is off to a rocky start, thanks to the unexpected run-in with her womanizing ex-husband, and his very pregnant new wife. She manages to get away with her dignity intact, but later, with old wounds ripped open, the professional crisis manager ends up in the middle of her own life-altering predicament.

Then, sports journalist Craig Johnston, wheels to her rescue.

Will Ashley spend Christmas brooding over bitter memories? Or will Craig, a dynamic paraplegic, present the deserving divorcée with a gift she can't resist?

Enchanting Excerpt:
Driven to perfect his sports news piece, Craig glanced from his laptop to the telephone when it rang. In a way, he was glad for the interruption. The knot in his neck said he’d been hard at work for hours. “Yeah?”

“There are two ladies here to see you.” The female voice on the phone advised.

Since the station operated on a skeleton crew because of the holiday, the call was from the security officer in the building’s lobby. Adjusting the rolled up sleeve of his white shirt, he asked, surprised, “Visitors to the station on Christmas Eve, Donna?”

“They say it’s about this morning.”

Those words commandeered his attention. “This morning?” He slapped down the cuff of both sleeves. “I’m on my way.” Quickly, he buttoned them, pushed back from the desk, then rushed from the office. His door shut with a bang. Craig took the hallway to the elevators, almost running down a co-worker when he turned the corner.

“Hey! Where’s the fire, Craig?”

“Sorry,” was all he had time to say as he continued on his way.
The elevator seemed to take a long time to arrive. Finally, the doors opened, and he dashed to board.

Memories flooded back to him on the ride down. Craig remembered how he recognized the woman was in trouble. Her luminous eyes held a faraway look. Nevertheless, in no way did that obscure their charismatic beauty. He reminisced about the cottony soft skin of the hand he held.

The elevator bell dinged.

Abruptly, he was a bundle of nerves. Big, strong, athletic sportsman, Craig Johnston experienced something he hadn’t in years—immediate infatuation—for a stranger, no less.

Chances of a slow reveal past as the security officer beckoned in his direction. The two pivoted together. Their resemblance was so remarkable. Although one appeared slightly older, he surmised a familial relationship. The younger one failed in her attempt to hide what he assumed was pity and alarm. His wheelchair probably caused her reaction. The woman he rescued never batted an eye of surprise. To his amazement, he watched her stroll over. A majestic smile curved her luscious-looking lips.

“I’m Ashley Wagner.” She extended her hands to him. “I believe you’re the one I should thank for being so kind to me this morning.”

Taking her outstretched hands, Craig looked at her. No longer in a rush, he took time to analyze Ashley. A feeling, akin to this morning’s enchantment, zapped him. “Are you all right?”

At that point, Ashley’s action mystified him. Craig watched her close her eyes. But, she never removed her hands from his fingers.

“Ask me that question again,” she urged.

Baffled, he obliged. “Are you all right?”

“That voice.” Her eyes reopened. They seemed to shower him with a joyful gaze. “I would recognize that chivalrous rumble anywhere.” Ashley squeezed his hands as if to impart power to her gratitude. “It is you.”

B&N | Kobo

Blog: http://www.mickiesherwood.com/blog

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/MickieSherwood

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/Louisiana_Lady