Bonds of Love

 Weekenders Romance Watch

 

Author:  Mickie Sherwood

Genre:  Romantic Suspense

Buy: Amazon | B&N | Kobo

  Re-Release

Blurb:
Three days. Two secrets. One love?

Senator Jordan Dupré has kept an adoption secret for years. Now a blackmailer issues an ultimatum: pay up or else. Enter Deacon Burke, her old flame. He's the last person she needs to meddle in her affairs and mess with her heart.

In years past, Jordan kissed, loved, lied to, and left Deke. Even so, instructions left by her deceased husband call him to her aid. He goes and his secret tags along.

Will their secrets complicate the reunion or rekindle their bonds of love?

Note: Formerly Cherished Moments
This novel is rewritten, re-edited, re-titled, and re-covered.

Enchanting Excerpt:
A dark shadow blocked the red sunlight on the inside of her lids. She opened her eyes to a blurry silhouette dressed in black, who then reached downward to grip her arm. His grasp was tight but not harmful. When her sight cleared, she focused on the face that caused her blood pressure to rise.

Deke.

Despite years with no contact, her knees still knocked, and her heart ached.

“Jay. Are you okay?”

The rich, mellow voice was music to her ears, one which she really loved to hear. He slid his hand down her arm and gently clutched her hand. His touch added to her jittery stance, and her stomach lurched.
Again, Jordan closed her eyes and emptied her stomach right at his feet. He offered her a folded white handkerchief, holding it under her nose when she opened her eyes. The affable expression on his face soothed her. His spontaneous grin showed his one imperfection—a slanted bottom tooth. However, his smile was one of perfection to her. She recalled his explanation that the dental flaw was a family trait; one he chose to honor.

“Hi, Deke.” Jordan greeted him as though their last conversation had been eighteen minutes ago, instead of eighteen years. For a moment, she no longer felt like the grown-ass woman she was.
 
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A Vow for Christmas

Weekenders Romance Watch

Spinster Mail-Order Brides Series Book 7

Author:  Linda Carroll-Bradd
Genre:  Historical romance
Buy: Amazon
 

Blurb:
Against his better judgment, Chad Rutherford advertises for a mail-order bride to take care of his household. As a widower, he’s had his great love and she died, so now he only wants companionship. But vivacious new wife Vika brings light and laugher back into his life until he’s ready to consider more for their relationship. Then a stranger threatens to rip away everything.

Enchanting Excerpt:
Mister Rutherford straightened. “We’d best collect your luggage. Come along, children.” He urged them forward.
 
She was left staring at the back of the three people who looked like a self-contained unit. Did room exist for her in any of their hearts? Shoulders drooping, she trudged behind them, wishing for a strong arm to lean on. On the platform near the freight car rested the trunk holding all her clothes, accessories, and valuables. Next to it were two wooden crates packed with kitchen items, linens, blankets, and her mother’s porcelain tea set. On top of the crates sat the wicker basket holding her beloved pet.
 
The baggage clerk lifted a hand. “Ah, Miss Vika. She’s been whimpering the last few miles.” He lowered the basket to the platform and worked to loosen the rope knot.
 
“Thank you, Mister Frederick, for all your good attention.” She reached into her reticule and pulled out a dime for his tip. Maybe extravagant but the clerk took good care of her Biscuit. Then she leaned down to drop her carpetbag before lifting the lid with one hand and slipping the other into the slim opening to grab Biscuit’s collar. “Calm down. I’m here.” Once she was sure the dog wouldn’t escape, she slid in her other hand to grab the leather leash and clipped it on. With a shove, she flicked back the lid.
 
Biscuit jumped out then shook herself before running her nose along the platform boards.
 
“What in blue blazes is that thing?” Frowning, Mister Rutherford pointed.
 
“She’s my dog, Biscuit.” Vika hurried to the platform edge and let her pet run down the four steps to the dirt to take care of her needs.
 
“You wrote nothing about bringing a pet.” He scoffed and waved a hand in the air. “And a scrawny dog, at that.”
 
After a moment, Biscuit hopped back to the platform then trotted toward the children, tail wagging like a flag in a stiff wind.
 
Her stomach rolled.
 
Both children looked at the dog then glanced at their father’s frown.
 
Would the presence of this surprise pet invalidate their agreement? Tiredness swamped her. “You never wrote that I couldna.” Needing the comfort of a warm being who loved her, she scooped up the dog, hugged Biscuit to her bosom, and kissed her furry head between her pointed ears. “Actually, you never wrote much of anything.”




Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/linda.carrollbradd
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Mardi Gras Magic

Weekenders Romance Watch

A single day could mean the start of something new. . .

Author: Mickie Sherwood
Genre: AA Romance Novella
Price: $0.99 New Release/$0.00 Kindle Unlimited
Buy: Amazon 

Blurb:
Stood Up – What do you do when you’re jilted by your fiancé?
Stand Up – How supportive are you of your best friend’s treachery?
Step Up – When is it time to move forward?

Sienna Gaudet’s determined not to let her ex ruin a good time.
Kirk Ratcliff secretly yearns for a chance with his best friend’s ex.

Why would either succeed?

Mardi Gras Magic

Enchanting Excerpt:
Crowds jammed the streets of the French Quarter. Sienna looked over the jubilant masses from her balcony. Capturing the early morning excitement digitally wasn’t the same as a live-eye view, but the videos would open up a never seen world to some who visited her online magazine. She smiled as she swung to re-enter her suite, stopping short at the feeling of being watched.

Unconsciously, she pulled the silky robe tighter around her curvy figure.

“Of course, everyone’s watching everyone else. Why should I be exempt?”

Still, she couldn’t shake the sensation. Using the zoom lens allowed her to search toward the unnerving vibe. She panned the camera slowly, suddenly reversing for a doubletake. Sienna zoomed in. “Oh, jeez.”

There he stood. Down the way and across the street on an adjacent balcony. Coffee mug in hand, half-lathered face, and a snowy towel draped over his shoulder. “Just what I need.” She snapped a shot anyway.

Sienna lowered her camera. The idea he remained focused on her with no evidence of remorse irked her. He took a drink. Then, he had the nerve to salute with his cup. A salute he cut short at the appearance of the pretty young thing at his side.

“Hmph.” She dismissed him by simply going into the room.

How does Sienna Gaudet extinguish an old flame?

With Kirk Ratcliff, her new spark!

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Custom Fit

Weekenders Romance Watch

Author: Lexi Miles
Genre: Mainstream Romance
Buy: Amazon
 

Blurb:
Sunni is one of the most sought after style consultants and is put off when her boss calls her into her office, as if Sunni’s a newbie, and gives her an emergency assignment.  Sunni’s protest comes to a halt when she realizes that she got the assignment of a lifetime: dressing the ultra-sexy singer/actor Striker Clint.  The only rule, to avoid termination, no romantic involvement with clients.  But Striker is not just any client, Sunni has had it bad for him since she laid eyes on him in one of his earlier films.  Are some rules made to be broken?

Enchanting Excerpt:
After she received clearance, having been searched and her phone scanned for live feeds, Sunni had been allowed to finally work.  Sunni sprung into professional mode.  With quick confident strides she made her way over to Striker and the team of people that buzzed around him.  Most people would look for a manager or handler to handle the introductions, but that was not Sunni’s style.  She was direct.  She always felt that it was warmer to meet her client personally, and then to handle the other details afterward.

She extended her hand, and chirped spunkily as he took it, “Hi, I will be handling all of your needs over the holidays.

A sizzling grin twisted to life on Striker’s face, she melted, as he returned, “Is that right?  All of my needs.”

She blushed, her mind wanted to go flirtatious and even sexual so very badly, but she kept it on task.

She warmly returned, “Well not all of your needs.  I am just going to be taking your clothes on and off.”  Instantly she snapped her mouth closed.

Oh, crap.  She thought inside.  This was about to go off the tracks if she did not buckle down.  It was time to regroup. 

Sure, in all fairness, she had fantasized about him from a far and had thought about saying many wildly suggestive things to him, but this was not the time nor the place.  And another huge fact—one that mattered big time—she was a professional.  She told herself to get it together.  She nodded.  Although the redness of embarrassment was now burning to the surface of her skin, she was again ready to speak.

“I am guessing.  You know that I meant I was your style consultant.”

“Yes,” he chuckled, so sexily it was criminal.


Website: www.leximilesauthor.com
Amazon Author
Page: https://www.amazon.com/Lexi-Miles/e/B0196OSLBU
Twitter: www.twitter.com/leximilesbooks

Azure's Heart

Weekenders Romance Watch

Author: Mickie Sherwood

Genre: African-American Romance

Buy: Amazon

Blurb:

More than a year after becoming a loving couple, one phone call threatens Azure and Frank's relationship on the eve of their Valentine's Day wedding.

Frank clams up due to a health concern, keeps it secret, and distances himself from Azure. His bride-to-be deserves better than an ailing husband.

Azure feels the sting of Frank's rejection. No matter how hard she tries, she can't breakthrough his wall of silence. To her, his failure to communicate means one thing. He's called off the wedding.

Will Cupid's arrow strike a nerve? Or—will love conquer all in time for their Valentine's Day vows?

Excerpt:

Valentine's Day Eve…

New Orleans' frosty midday air didn't affect Azure one bit. And her snug-fit jeans, sweater, and short jacket had little to do with the warmth she felt. She strolled with Frank through the French Quarter. The clutch he had on her hand heated her all over. Even though heels gave her five-foot-six inches a boost, she still had to look up into his dark, brown eyes.

He looked at her, his jovial attitude on display. "You're so easy to love, Azure."

Her heart thumped with delight. Here they were, at the caterer's door, a day before their Valentine's Day wedding, ready to confirm the cake choice for their intimate reception. "Let me hear you say the words."

"I…love…you." He leaned down toward her.

His smooth baritone voice wrapped her like silk. Her erratic heartbeat intensified. She trembled when he kissed the soft spot under her ear. "I love you, too, Frank. Imagine where I'd be if you hadn't followed your instincts that night. I might have died in the trunk of my car."

"Either the cosmos had aligned or PlayDate dating service possessed supernatural powers."

"I know."

"When your apparition appeared—" He stopped talking. "I don't want to think about that."

"You found me. That's what matters." Azure resituated her teal-colored, knit beret, fingering shoulder length, chestnut strands of hair from her mouth.

    Feathery wisps of air touched her skin. She scrunched her shoulder, lengthening the time he snuggled her there. His lips transferred to the tip of her nose. Then, his mind-blowing kiss surpassed her expectations.


Blog: http://www.mickiesherwood.com/blog
Twitter: https:www.twitter.com/MickieSherwood
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Sweeten the Days with Holiday Treats Invitation

Hi all,

Authors, I invite you to share a holiday-themed romance snippet on my other blog. The guidelines are here.

I will update the post as frequently as time permits.
This promotional opportunity is ongoing in 2016 or until otherwise noted.


Readers, sample the Holiday Treats at Mickie's Mutterings http://mickiesherwood.com/blog/2015/12/14/holiday-treats/. There's always something good going on!


We would love to hear from you. Come on over.

Mickie Sherwood

~~Sweet, and spicy romance – a heartbeat away! ~~

www.mickiesherwood.com/blog

www.twitter.com/MickieSherwood

www.pinterest.com/MickieSherwood

www.bayouloveromances.blogspot.com 

A Romance for Christmas

Weekenders Romance Watch

Author: Kayelle Allen
Genre: Mainstream Romance
Buy: Amazon


 
Blurb:
A sweet feel good holiday romance showcasing love, loss, and the spirit of giving.

It's Christmas Eve, and the end of a year in which everything Dara loves has been lost. Everything but her little girl and a fierce determination to survive. When a cop brings Christmas to her door, he brings another gift she never expected to get.

 
Enchanting Excerpt:
"Mommy?" Christine's young voice broke in on her thoughts.

Dara put down the romance she'd been re-reading, the favorite she'd had since she was sixteen. She'd sold all her others at a yard sale the previous week. "What is it, sweetie?"

"Why don't we has a real tree for Chribmas?"

"Why don't we 'have'," she corrected. "Come sit by me." Dara patted the couch and tucked her chenille robe closer around her.

One arm around Matilda, her cloth doll, Christine climbed up and cuddled.
Matilda's going to need stuffing before long. Her head flopped forward, face against her flat chest. When did the lace on her dress get so ragged? Dara smoothed the doll's dress. "Remember when Daddy went home to heaven before Christmas last year?"

Christine knuckled her eyes and yawned. "I 'member."

"And then Mommy got hurt in the car accident and couldn't go to work?"

"Uh huh."

Dara took a deep breath. "Well, it meant there was no money for a real tree this year. But I'm sure Santa will still bring you presents." Gifts Dara bought by selling her entire collection of romance novels at a yard sale at her friend Sherilyn's house. "And we drew a tree, right?" She pointed at the crayon-bright drawing taped to the wall. Construction paper ornaments decorated each branch.

"But it doesn't smell like a Chribmas tree."

Dara hugged her. "I know, baby. I know."

"How will Santa leave his presents?" Christine pulled away and got on her knees. "He can't put them under the tree, Mommy."

"Oh, honey!" She ruffled her daughter's hair, swallowing the lump in her throat. "Santa will find a way." She leaned forward and kissed her little girl. "We should get you in bed so he can come. He can't leave presents while you're awake."


Blog: https://kayelleallen.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kayelleallen
Facebook: https://facebook.com/kayelleallen.author
 

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

Gingerbread Wishes

Weekenders Romance Watch

Author: Linda Carroll-Bradd

Genre: Mainstream Romance
Buy: Amazon

 

Blurb:
A new life awaits as soon as Tora sells the family-run bakery. All she’s known is Dorado, Texas and she can’t wait to explore new possibilities outside the city limits. But then the chocolate brown gaze of widower Jordan Dawson locks on hers, and she’s suddenly wondering what getting acquainted might be like.

Back in his hometown to open a sporting goods store, Jordan wants to provide his daughter with life in a close-knit community. When the friendly baker sparks his interest, he sets off a campaign to keep her in town. Will Tora give him a chance?

 

Enchanting Excerpt:

“Hold off a moment. I have to echo what that man said.” Jordan rested a forearm on the counter, his mouth pulled into a tight line. “Dorado without a bakery run by a Hammond woman would not be the town I remember.”

His praise warmed her heart, and she wished Gram could hear his comment. But Tora had a plan and that involved making a big change. “I have confidence the townspeople will survive.”

“People in the big cities survive, but people in small towns know how to live life. They know their neighbors and show them they care.” A finger tapped the donation coffee can and a metallic jingle sounded. “Believe me, I’ve lived in both settings and there’s no comparison. You’re better off here.”

How could he know that? She bit her tongue to keep from arguing with a customer and forced a polite smile. “Well, I can’t wait to experience life in the big city so I can see for myself.”

“Daddy?”Jenna’s voice trembled. “I’m cold.”

The child’s interruption came at the right time. “I’m sure you are, sweetie. I’ll get your hot chocolate right away.” Without another glance at Big City Dawson, she turned to her task. A few minutes later, she approached the round table where they’d situated themselves and couldn’t help but notice he’d draped his coat around his daughter’s thin shoulders.

After placing the mugs on the table, she held out a spoon and whispered to the quiet girl, “Careful, the cocoa’s hot. Better start with the whipped cream.”

Her eyes lit up, her mouth spread in a smile showing off rows of small teeth, and she grabbed her spoon.

For some strange reason, that tiny response thrilled Tora. The child looked like she didn’t smile much. “May I bring pastries or coffee cake?”

Jordan leaned back in the ladderback chair and glanced over his shoulder. “Do you still sell apple fritters? Those were always my favorite.”

“We do. Shall I bring two?” She started to turn but felt his warm fingers on her wrist. Ripples of awareness shot up her arm. When she turned to look, she was captured by his gaze, steady and concerned. Her insides felt as quivery as the middle of a jelly doughnut. What is this? She’d never experienced such an immediate reaction to a man.

 

Website: www.lindacarroll-bradd.com

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Santa to the Rescue

Author: Adele Downs

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Buy: Entangled Publishing
Firefighter Jamey Tucker knows three things in life to be true: An honorable man doesn't go back on his word, never hurts a woman, and lasting love isn't a myth. But with his recent move to a new job at the Appleton Fire station, the long hours don't offer hope of finding the love he’s looking for.

When Jamey meets beautiful pediatric nurse Heather Longhurst after hearing her sing Santa Baby in a supermarket aisle, he offers her a promise he discovers he can't keep. Heather has been betrayed by men in the past, making it hard for Jamey to gain her trust. Determined to find a way to win her heart, Jamey uses firefighter engine-uity and Heather's favorite song to prove he's got Christmas spirit she can believe in all year.

Enchanting Excerpt:

She laughed out loud this time, and the sound of her voice rang through the air, pure and clear. He could listen to that voice for hours. “These are for my kids at the hospital. I’m an R.N. at County. We’re decorating the pediatric ward. And spoiling the children too, a bit. I’m baking cookies for our holiday party on Saturday.”

She held out her hand for a handshake. “I’m Heather Longhurst.”

Jamey introduced himself and took her hand. He told her what he did and where he worked. Her skin felt soft against his palm, though her grasp conveyed confidence and strength.

He cocked his chin. “What kind of cookies?”

“Chocolate chip, of course. Is there any other kind?”

Jamey shook his head. He could almost taste melted dark chocolate and smell the aromas of fresh baked flour, eggs and sugar filling her kitchen. His mouth watered. He hoped she couldn’t hear his stomach rumble. He hadn’t eaten in over fourteen hours. “No ma’am.”

Heather returned a lopsided grin. “You’re not from around here, are you?”

“Southern Indiana, born and raised.”

She moved out of the way of an elderly couple trying to pass with their half-filled shopping cart. Jamey moved too and they strolled together toward the exit. “I’ll make a plate of cookies for you, if you stop by the hospital to pick it up.” She said.

Jamey smiled at her, his heart lifting at the turnaround in his day. “That’s the best offer I’ve had since I moved to Appleton.”

“You’re new in town?”

“Been here almost three months.”

“Glad to meet you, Jamey Tucker. See you about one o’clock?”

“I’ll be there. Count on it.”

“I will.” She smiled back and their gazes locked. His mood soared with the realization she was flirting with him. The day had definitely taken a turn for the better.

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Twitter: @Adele_Downs