Weekenders Romance Watch
Author: Andi Ramos
Genre: Romantic Mystery
Buy: Amazon| Apple| B&N
Blurb:
Sheagan O’Hare got more than she bargained for when her newly inherited detective agency lands its first case; a missing person, embezzlement, and murder. Sheagan’s out to prove she can hang with the pro's, despite the constant reminder of her amateur status from an annoyingly attractive FBI agent, Colin 'Mac' MacEvine, who’s forced himself into her life.
How does she feel when an old high school friend hopes to ignite a new romance?
Will she be able to discover if detective work and love can mingle before someone gets hurt?
Enchanting Excerpt:
Her cheeks flushed. Cristal, she scoffed. Who is this Bimbo, anyway?
As if she had room to criticize this girl’s intelligence, when Sheagan was the one sweating her makeup off in a four-by-four-foot air-duct.
Yeah, who’s the stupid one?
She heard passionate sounds coming from the right of the room and recognized his tone. Leaning sideways, Sheagan pressed her face to the grate, but her limited view revealed only a portion of the bed and unable to make out major details, like faces.
Crap, I can’t see anything. Damn! She needed to get a better look.
As she shifted her weight, the metal walls started to reverberate and Sheagan stifled a gasp, willing the rumbling to cease. Her breathing became labored as the musty air stole the aroma of the sweet perfume wafting up waft from the suite below. She stilled her movements and did the only thing she could think of... nothing. Nothing but stare at the heap of blankets and wait.
Come on, bimbo, come up for air. I know he doesn’t last that long.
Her discomfort increased as the noise from their passion became more intense. Ugh, that’s it, I’ve had it!
She mashed her cheek and upper body against the grate.
I just need a peek to confirm.
She pressed harder, ogling the bed. Finally, she caught a tiny glimpse.
Just a little further.
She pushed and heard a chirring sound, then a scraping. She froze in place, but the grate gave way with a creaking groan and crashed to the ground. Time stood still as Sheagan realized there was nothing between her and the floor except air.
Website: http://www.andiramos.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andiramosauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/andiramosauthor
Weekenders Romance Watch
Author: Juli D. Revezzo
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Buy: Amazon
Blurb:
Gwenevieve Macken’s well-ordered world falls into chaos as encroaching interlopers scheme to possess both her and her land. Although she’s been trained to spot the signs of inhuman evil in men, the amassing armies take on guises she never expected.
When a foreign guardian presents himself as her only option for salvation, Gwenevieve must make a choice between her desires, and fulfilling the mythic fate to which she was born. A forced marriage to a Tuatha dé Danann warrior isn't part of her plan.
Enchanting Excerpt:
“Ho, open the gates!” Isaac called.
“Password!” the guard bellowed back.
He cried out the words... [S]oon the gate’s hinges creaked in annoyance as someone inside threw their weight against the pull. Two men guided the gate as it yawned wide.
Lord Macken waited beyond, pacing like a caged animal. “There you are!” Then he took in the condition of their band. “What happened?”
Isaac, Nigel, and Maedus exchanged a glance. “Our friend requires a healer,” Maedus said. “Have you seen Mistress Cyreth around?”
“The girl?” Gwenevieve asked.
“Take him inside.” Sir Macken then called out for his wife, and within seconds, she stepped through the door.
“Lord Tam requires the healer,” Sir Macken shouted.
She nodded and lumbered around the side of the house, demanding, “See that Mairrann Mac Carthaigh comes.”
Sir Macken turned his attention back to Maedus’ band. “He will take care of you, son.”
Isaac helped Tam to his lodging and at last, Sir Macken addressed his daughter. Rage clouded his eyes.
Maedus felt Gwenevieve fold into him.
Perhaps she might be safer outside the walls. “No going back now, lass,” he murmured.
“Can’t you slap me on the wrist and be done with it?” she whispered.
“It’s not my place.” He slid off his horse’s back and held his arms up for her. Despite the clouds, the sun lowering toward the horizon blinded him for a moment.
Gwenevieve slid into his arms and to the ground.
“What’s my father paying you? I’ll pay you twice as much to talk him out of punishing me.” She gave him a light kiss on the lips, melding against him as if they were the only two in the world. As if they’d returned from a pleasant afternoon’s ride. “I’d much rather you put me over your knee than let my father do it.”
Maedus blinked. She’d kissed him. What had she just promised?
Website: http://www.julidrevezzo.com
Blog: http://julismapsroom.blogspot.com/
Weekenders Romance Watch
(Book Four can be read as a standalone.)
Author: Maggi Andersen
Genre: Mainstream Romance
Buy: Amazon
Blurb:
Lady Charity Baxendale has long dreamed of becoming a renowned portrait painter. After she’s received two significant commissions from esteemed family members, a rakish Scottish baron commissions her to do his portrait, and she feels she is one step closer.
When Robin, Lord Stanberry, with whom Charity has had a long friendship, asks her to marry him, she must choose between marriage and her career. She refuses him, for he is heir to a dukedom, and Charity fears that not only would she be unsuited to life as a duchess but also that her burgeoning career might end before it begins. And besides, Robin has made no mention of love.
Enchanting Excerpt:
“But is that all I am to you?”
Her gaze sought his. “No, of course not. You are my very dear friend.”
Robin uncoiled himself from the chair. He leaned over her, silently removed her pencil from her fingers, and placed it beside the sketchbook on the table.
Charity watched him as if frozen, her eyes wide, as he took her hands and drew her to her feet.
“Robin…?”
His hand cupped her chin, and his mouth came down on hers.
Her heart thudding in her ears, Charity held on to his arms as they entrapped her. Like stone, they didn’t budge an inch as he purposefully slid his mouth over hers. She dropped her arms and murmured incoherently. His tongue pressed along the seam of her lips, and when she parted them, more to deter him than encourage him, his tongue dived inside her mouth.
She sagged as her breath deserted her, and she grasped his shoulders to stay upright when her knees almost buckled. The intimacy of such an act made all her senses come alive, his masculine smell, his strong body against hers, all sinew and bone and muscle, the sweet taste of his mouth, and his lips, taking possession.
“Charity!” he whispered, his breath hot against her ear.
Knowing she loved him, and how impossible that was, became almost more than she could bear. She pushed at his chest. “Let me go, please, Robin.”
Robin released her, and she sank back in the chair.
“I’ve been yearning to do that for a very long time,” he said, leaning against the desk beside her. The smile in his eyes contained a sensual flame. “I’d like you to think about that, Charity. Think what we might have, here, together.”
Website: http://www.maggiandersenauthor.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/maggiandersen
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maggiandersenauthor/
Weekenders Romance Watch
Author: Nicole Evelina
Genre: Mainstream Romance
Buy: Amazon
Blurb:
Annabeth is a hopeless romantic who believes in soul mates. She’s been writing to hers since she was 16. Now, at 34, she’s still holding out hope of finding Mr. Right despite her trust issues due to a past traumatic experience. When she meets Alex, she thinks her quest may finally be at an end. Soon she’s working in close quarters with Alex and her long ago ex, Nick. Fighting attraction to one, loathing for the other, Annabeth is forced to face her old insecurities while keeping an eye on a scheming frienemy bent on derailing her hopes and dreams.
Enchanting Excerpt:
“How can you possibly be so calm? Your interview is tomorrow morning. Why aren’t you freaking out?”
“Because you’re doing that enough for both of us.” Alex pulled me down next to him, pinning my hands behind my back and covering my face in kisses. “I was going to wait to give this to you, but it looks like you need it now.” He fished a long, thin rectangular block out of the pocket of his wool sweater and presented it to me.
When I looked closer, I realized it was one of those weekly pill boxes that older people keep their daily medications in. “You’re giving me drugs?”
“No. Open the one for today.”
I popped open the lid on the far left marked with a capital S for Sunday. A small folded piece of paper jumped out at me, leaving a bed of dark chocolate Mini Kisses behind. I opened the page and read. “‘This note entitles the bearer to a single wish fulfilled.’”
Alex whispered a few racy suggestions in my ear.
My face flushed in response. “I’m up for that.”
He pried my fingers from around the pill box. “And that’s just the beginning. Each day has a little surprise in it to help you get through the week since I won’t be here to help you in person.”
I placed a hand on the side of his face and kissed him. “This has to be the most thoughtful thing anyone has done for me. How did you think of it?”
“I could lie and say it was my own ingenuity, but I’m man enough to admit I found it on Pinterest.”
“Should I start calling you Mr. Stewart?”
“Perhaps not, but that does conjure a lovely mental image of you in only an apron.”
Website: http://nicoleevelina.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NicoleEvelina
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicoleevelinapage/
Weekenders Romance Watch
Author: Elaine Violette
Genre: Mainstream Romance
Buy: Amazon | Nook | Kobo
Blurb:
THE DIARY OF NARCISSA DUNN is a ghostly love story. Set in New England, pre-Civil War. When Olivia’s father tries to force her into an unwanted marriage, mysterious events occur, leaving the family on edge. Meanwhile, Benjamin Pratt, desperately in love with Olivia, discovers an old diary that exposes scandalous, long hidden secrets. He becomes an unwilling messenger, torn between revealing truths that will shatter her identity and destroy her family, or keep the secret and watch her marry another. Either way, he’s bound to lose her unless a mysterious woman intervenes.
Enchanting Excerpt:
“William believes it is God’s will we marry. He’s already talked to Father and received his blessing. What was I to say? Do I even have a voice in the matter?”
Lovena’s bosom lifted and sagged. “You been spending time with Mr. Tapley, goin’ for walks and carriage rides. Didn’t you plan to go with him to the spring dance the town been plannin’ after Easter? In his mind, you and him were courtin’ in a respectful way.”
“Most of the time he converses with Father.” Olivia’s shoulders slumped. Had she led him to believe she was expecting a proposal? “I admit I was flattered by his attentions at first, but I hadn’t considered our relationship went beyond friendship…until recently.”
“A man’s attentions to a pretty young woman ain’t never a desire for only friendship.”
“I hadn’t meant to lead him to thinking I’d want to marry him.” She covered her face with her hands.
Lovena pushed out a chair and sat beside her. “I think you been enjoyin’ Mr. Tapley’s attentions until the Pratt boy started showin’ up.”
Olivia couldn’t deny it. At first she was flattered by William’s desire to spend time with her but deeper feelings hadn’t grown, despite the time they spent together. Even his kisses were forgettable. It was so different with Ben. Her heart leaped in her chest the minute she saw him arrive to begin his work. Her body tingled into the depth of her womb when they were together.
Lovena wiped away a tear that rolled down Olivia’s cheek. “We can’t control those feelin’s inside, Livie, when the right boy stirs ‘em up.”
“What am I to do?” Father will understand, won’t he? He can’t expect me to marry a man I could never love.”
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Elaine-Violette/e/B008H5NKQQ/
Website: http://www.elaineviolette.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/elaineviolette.author
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/elaine_violette
Weekenders Romance Watch
A Novella
Author: N.N. Light
Genre: Mainstream Romance
Buy: Amazon
Blurb:
Torn between two men, Sally must follow her heart and decide if love will lead her to the city or the countryside.
Sally Rayton returns to the family farm to settle her grandfather's estate and return to her life in the city with her boyfriend, Trevor Mattson.
Her childhood friend, Jack, convinces her to transform the farm into a brewery. Sally works side-by-side with Jack while Trevor is hundreds of miles away in the city. The more time she spends with Jack, the stronger her feelings are for him.
When Trevor shows up to propose to Sally right before Christmas and finds her in Jack's embrace, she must make the biggest choice of her life: true love.
Enchanting Excerpt:
Jack looked where she pointed.
"Sally..." he began.
"Yes?"
"Are you planning on selling it when the farm's made a profit?"
Sally sighed.
He turned her body around, his gaze penetrating hers.
"I don't know," she whispered. "I know Grandpa wanted me to keep it in the family." She furrowed her brow. "I'm not a country girl; my heart belongs to the city."
"Hey, it's okay." He moved a step closer. "Farming is hard work and you have to love it to make it successful." He put a hand on her shoulder. "Don't beat yourself up for following your heart."
Sally winced.
"What?"
"Jack, I'm not sure what my heart wants. Part of me loves being here, carrying on the family name."
"But..." Jack raised an eyebrow warily.
"But I have a life in the city. I've almost finished my degree --"
"You have Trevor," Jack interrupted her. He shook his head.
"What's wrong with that? Yes, I have a life and a boyfriend in the city. I've told you a thousand times my dream is to open my own sidewalk cafe." She folded her arms over her chest. "Don't you want me to be happy, Jack?" Her voice sounded hurt, even to her own ears.
He closed his eyes and rubbed his forehead.
"This isn't going how I wanted it to." He glanced up at her. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to imply anything. It's just --"
"What?" Sally cocked her head to one side.
The telephone rang inside.
"Sh**, I have to go answer it. I'll be right back." She ran into the house.
"Hello?"
"Hi beautiful." Trevor.
Blog: http://princessofthelight.wordpress.com
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/nnlight
Independent Author Network: http://www.independentauthornetwork.com/n-n-light.html
Weekenders Romance
Watch
Author: E. Ayers
Genre: Mainstream Romance
Buy: Amazon
Blurb:
Coddled and protected from the harsh realities of life, Malene runs away from a bad marriage by posing as a chaperone to her younger sister. A series of events soon prove she's capable of standing on her own two feet. However, she's not prepared to follow her heart and accept marriage from the one man who truly loves her.
Enchanting Excerpt:
Mark jumped inside the moving carriage. Angelina screamed, which set off Clara and Sophia.
"This is the welcome I get?" Before Malene could open her mouth, Mark covered hers with his. Her fingers clawed at his shoulders as she took his breath. He whispered in her ear, "I have missed you, my beautiful woman of the sun."
Brownie snarled, and Mark held his hand for the dog to sniff. "It is good, my furry friend. No one else gets to do this to Malene. You understand that?"
The dog settled down as if he used to Mark to being there, but little Clara was curled into a tearful ball in Angelina's lap, and Sophia wailed.
He picked the toddler up and cuddled her in his arm. "Have you forgotten me?" He ran his finger over the child's cheek and over her bright reddish curls. "I brought you into this world, my darling. Your memory is too short."
Sophia looked up at him. Her tear-filled expression turned to a grin. His heart swelled. He had his child and his woman. His gaze turned to the pretty woman traveling with Malene. "You must be Angel-enna."
Malene giggled. "An-gel-le-na."
He rolled his hands palms up and repeated the name.
"Yes." The woman nodded as she spoke.
"Pleased to meet you." He reached over and tickled Clara, but the child screamed at his touch.
Malene pulled Clara into her lap. "This is Mark. He is different, but that is no reason to fear him."
Mark took the little girl's hand in his. "Yes, I am different because I am Apsáalooke, or of the Crow tribe. I am a man. My skin is darker than yours, but it is only skin."
Blog: http://ayersbooks.wordpress.com
Shared Blog: http://authorsofmainstreet.wordpress.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ayersbooks
Weekenders Romance
Watch
Author: Georgie Lee
Genre: Mainstream Romance
Buy: Amazon
Blurb:
As one of Hollywood's only female directors in 1935, Vivien Howard is now directing her dream film, a lavish Civil War romance. She's not about to let anyone spoil it, especially not handsome studio executive Weston Holmes.
When Weston learns Lion Studios is backing a war movie made by a woman, he scoffs at the idea and earns the enchanting Vivien's wrath.
During production, sparks fly. Vivien and Weston ignore the gossip until a scandal nearly ruins them both. The only solution: a marriage of convenience that forces the bickering duo into an unlikely alliance—and their own happily-ever-after.
Enchanting Excerpt:
Hollywood 1935
Vivien Howard marched into Earl Holmes's office and threw the script on his desk. "Storm of the South. This is it. This is the picture I want to direct next."
Earl picked up the script and flipped through it, unfazed. "The Civil War? It's been done, and badly."
"Not the way I'm going to do it."
"I read the script a couple of months back. It's a war movie. A woman can't direct a war movie." He tossed the script onto his large mahogany desk and leaned back in his leather chair, his hands clasped over his round belly, his graying eyebrows knitted as his eyes bored into her. Earl's imposing attitude would have cowed a lesser director, but Vivien had played this game too many times with the old studio head to be scared off now.
"It's a love story set during a war."
"The Civil War."
"I know exactly how I'm going to shoot it." She sat down on Earl's plush leather sofa, pushing back her shoulder- length curly brown hair. She crossed her legs, thankful Miss Hepburn's popularity had made wearing trousers respectable. Even if the Women's Decency League proclaimed pants the ruin of womankind, Vivien preferred them to skirts and always made sure they were femininely tailored to complement her dark hair and eyes. Being one of only a few female directors in Hollywood, she played a man's game, but she was always careful to remain a lady. Her career depended on this tightrope walk. Earl leaned back in his chair and studied her. She knew he was intrigued, but she also knew he hated to let directors think they were getting their way, even if they were.
"The boys in New York won't like the idea of a woman directing a war movie," he replied, selecting a cigar from the humidor on his desk.
"If you pitch it right, they'll love this project."
Website: http://www.georgie-lee.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Georgie-Lee/259729314054846?ref=hl
Twitter: https://twitter.com/GeorgieLeeBooks
Weekenders Romance
Watch
Author: Charmaine Gordon
Genre: Mainstream Romance
Buy: Amazon
Blurb:
Anna Youngblood and James Chandler have problems. His little daughter overheard his ex say she never wanted kids; Anna must make amends for breaking rules of her tribe; he has a serious concussion and she's pregnant. Can this couple find happiness in River's Edge?
Enchanting Excerpt:
Roscoe steadied his boss, helped him to a bench right there on Main Street. "You're right, Anna. When you're right I won't argue. But give me a day or two and I'll get the boxing gloves on for a real fight." His eyes drooped and shut. Again he'd fallen asleep.
"Shovel him back in the car, please. Let's get the big guy home." Anna called Dr. Brad Cohen.
By the time they'd reached the penthouse, James, awake and in good spirits wondered why his friend, the good Doctor sat outside. "Hey, do you live here?"
"Fat chance. Not until I'm in private practice, maybe. What's up?" The grin on his face didn't match the concerned look he shared with Anna.
Up they went to the penthouse where James made it over to a leather couch and melted into it. Out came the stethoscope, penlight and all the other accoutrement the good doctor brought in his magic bag. "This black bag is an antique handed down from my Gramps to my dad and now me." He patted the worn leather with worship in his blue eyes.
"Verdict?"
"You need more rest. The MRI showed no abnormalities. Good news. But I'll have to keep track of your situation. My educated guess is you work too hard, too fast and need a rest. A tropical island, Anna, your lady love with you, palm trees and coconuts. Sounds so good, I'll come, too. Blood pressure's a bit high but not to worry, I may have the solution." Brad Cohen opened the other bag that had started to wiggle. Like a magician, he pulled out a puppy. "She's a therapy dog, a Beagle like Snoopy in the Charlie Brown cartoons only she's a year and a half old and certified. That's like a college degree for dogs. A lot of hard work and training goes into certification."
The three humans watched the four legged creature sniff all around and suddenly climb up on Jimmy's lap to lay her paws and head against his chest right under his chin. The CEO's rough palms reached up to stroke the smooth coat of multi colors, white, brown, and some black. He searched for Anna with his eyes. She had tears glistening, ready to fall, held in control.
Website: http://authorCharmaineGordon.wordpress.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CharmaineGordon
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/CharJGordon
Additional: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/533733
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bridging-the-gap-charmaine-gordon/1121714852
Weekenders Romance
Watch
Author: Helen Pollard
Genre: Mainstream Romance
Buy: Amazon
Blurb:
Laura Matheson is a natural at avoiding romance, so when she's drawn to mystery guest Daniel Stone while helping out at her friends' hotel in Portugal, she assumes all she needs is a little extra willpower.
Daniel is at the hotel on business. The demands of work and a manipulative ex-girlfriend mean he doesn't have the time or energy for romance, but Laura is a distraction he finds hard to ignore.
As they negotiate a minefield of misunderstandings and mutual attraction, will they both continue to hold back? Or will they finally allow love into their lives?
Enchanting Excerpt:
Laura's mind raced as her footsteps slowed. What on earth was he doing here? The unlikely hope he might be passing by—perhaps he'd called in for directions to somewhere else?—was immediately scotched as he lifted his luggage from the car. Reminded of their encounters at the airport, she could have squirmed with embarrassment at how out of character she'd acted, making mistakes and being so snappy about them.
Well, he wouldn't see her like that again. If Daniel Stone was a guest here—and it seemed there was no escaping from it—then she must make him welcome. For goodness' sake, she was used to dealing with awkward situations every day at school!
He turned at the sound of her footsteps. Forcing a calmness into her voice that didn't extend to her stomach, she stepped forward and held out her hand.
"Mr. Stone? Welcome to the Quinta Maria."
Closing the car, he straightened up to his full six-foot-something and reached out to shake hands. For one brief, glorious moment, Laura thought he might not recognise her now that she was spruced up a little, but any hope of that disappeared as his eyes narrowed in sudden recognition and his hand dropped to his side as though it had been burned.
"It seems you have the advantage over me, knowing my name," he said. "Since you're determined to turn up like a bad penny wherever I go, perhaps you could enlighten me with yours?"
Website/Blog: http://helenpollardwrites.wordpress.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/pages/Helen-Pollard/372986142839624
Twitter: http://twitter.com/helenpollard147
Book 3 in the Loving Who series
Author: Cynthianna
Genre: Mainstream Romance
Buy: Mojocastle Press
Blurb:
Cici Connors is losing her mind—or is she? Alien time traveler John Smith vows to return her memories, but will his sci-fi con only attract an invasion of Earth by artificially intelligent life forms?
Enchanting Excerpt:
(A telepathic conversation between John and Cici, wherein he tries to explain why he had to blank her memories.)
The time lines…They got a bit muddy. We had to undo them and start afresh in order to keep the universe from exploding. You’re sensitive to how the time lines flow, Cici, but you’re not one of us who can step totally out of time and look at them objectively. So, you’ve got to trust me on this point—you know me from before, and I’ve come back for you against the wishes of my own kind.
Some of what he was relating to her mind made sense. Cici had felt these past few days as if she’d been yanked out of time and thrust back into it at another spot against her will. She sensed that the clock had been turned back and that she was reliving the same days again, only this time with a slightly different cast of characters in a completely different situation. You’re risking your own safety to be with me? she wondered.
I am. I’m risking your safety, too. That’s why I wanted to confess as soon as you seemed able to deal with this knowledge. If you want me out of your time line, I’ll go, Cici. But before I go, I wanted you to know that it wasn’t my idea to leave you behind in the first place.
You want to be with me? Cici felt tears burning beneath her eyelids, but she couldn’t find either her eyes or her tissue to wipe them away.
My kind doesn’t know what romance or love means really, but I think I’ve learned more about it since we met. It’s why I came back for you.
Damn… You’ve wrecked my cynicism. She felt the warmth of a sun upon her cheek like a kiss of an angel. Anything is possible, isn’t it, John Smith?
She heard a soft chuckle then, It is when you love someone, Cici Connors. Love makes all things possible.
Website: http://www.cynthianna.com
Blog: http://momsday.blogspot.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cynthianna.CelineChatillon
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/celinechatillon_cynthianna
Weekenders Romance
Watch
Author: Rhonda Jackson Joseph
Genre: Mainstream Romance
Buy: Amazon
Blurb:
Enjoy these colorful characters as they experience life and love, in vivid color. Walk with Rosalind Davis as she realizes love later in life is a relief. Come with Eva Grant while she and Santos help one another heal. Laugh at Melanie Durst pretending her way into everlasting love. Root for Daria and Maurice James as their loving marriage takes a hit from tragedy. Wish for Tisha Randall to get what she wants from Brian, when he comes into her store. Urge Aliyah and Andre to build happy ever after from their childhood friendship. Warm in the sunshine that Jasmine brings for Lemond when she smiles.
Enchanting Excerpt:
Bad idea. Terrible. Rosalind Davis kicked herself inside for attending the speed dating event that called itself "Mature Mingles". She'd had no idea when she'd signed up that "mature" actually meant "looking for a caregiver with benefits or a spouse who would become a caregiver".
She should have known that trying to make a romantic connection at her age would be difficult. Rosalind had only just decided she even wanted companionship and there she was, in a huge mess.
Her lips were exhausted from the effort she had to put into the tight, polite smile. Ring, buzzer. I'm ready to go.
She sighed in relief and closed her eyes. Only one more to go. She should have indicated that she was interested in meeting females, too. That way she might have at least gotten a good tennis partner out of the deal.
"I'm not trying to get married." The words tumbled from her mouth before the last man could take the seat across from her.
He sat down and held her gaze. "That's a relief. I don't usually propose until the first real date."
Rosalind flicked her gaze over the ID tag the man wore.
"Sorry."
"No apology necessary. I'm Darren."
"Rosalind."
"I'm glad this is the last stop tonight." He continued to look directly at her.
She felt the heat rise in her face at his intense gaze. "Me, too."
"I'm glad for your beautiful mouth."
"Excuse me?" Rosalind straightened in her chair and glared. She would get a bold pervert for the last contact of the night.
"I only meant that if you had to paste that little fake smile on one more time, your lips might crack and fall off."
The indignant anger leapt out of her and Rosalind laughed, the first genuine chuckle she'd emitted that evening.
"In that case, thank you. You're right."
He shrugged. "It would be such a shame to lose it. You might need your mouth later on. To eat or laugh or something."
She confirmed his observation with another giggle. He joined in, and she noticed how he laughed from his depths, and his smile completely reached his eyes.
"Nice to meet you, Darren."
"The pleasure is all mine." Darren held his hand across the table and Rosalind grabbed it. He firmly shook and then released her.
A part of her wanted him to hold onto her a bit longer.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rjacksonjoseph
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rhonda-Jackson-Joseph-WriterEditor/113607275401945
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1077543.Rhonda_Jackson_Joseph
Author: Kris Bock
Genre: Mainstream Romance
Buy: Amazon
Blurb:
Kylie Hafford craves adventure when she heads to the remote Puebloan ruins of Lost Valley, Colorado, to excavate. Romance isn’t in her plans, but she soon meets two sexy men: Danesh looks like a warrior from the Pueblo’s ancient past, and Sean is a charming, playful tourist. The summer heats up as Kylie uncovers mysteries, secrets, and terrors in the night. She’ll need all her strength and wits to survive—and to save the man she’s come to love.
Enchanting Excerpt:
“Don’t you read signs?”
I blinked at the apparition. “Uh....”
He gestured back at the main path. “The signs at every turn saying ‘Stay on the path’? The notice at the entrance telling you to leave artifacts alone? I could have you arrested and fined.”
Oh. I felt color flooding my cheeks. My pounding heart refused to slow yet, and the rush of adrenaline turned my arms and legs to jelly, but I rose steadily enough. I tried to ignore the heat in my face and the queasy feeling of panic in my stomach, which hadn’t yet accepted the message that I wasn’t in danger. “I’m Kylie Hafford,” I said coolly. “The archaeologist. Are you Danesh?”
I saw a satisfying flash of surprise and then guilt. Or maybe I had just imagined it, as his face settled immediately into a neutral mask. “Yes, I’m Danesh.” He hesitated before adding stiffly, “It’s nice to meet you.”
“The pleasure’s all mine.”
He must have caught my irony, because he almost smiled—I think. He said, “I’m sorry I startled you. I wasn’t expecting you yet, and....” He shrugged. “I’ve been noticing scuff marks in the ground, off the trail where tourists aren’t supposed to go. I figured someone was poking around, maybe looking for treasure.”
“And you assumed I was your treasure hunter?”
Website: http://www.krisbock.com/
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Weekenders Romance
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Sequel to Highland Miracle
Author: Leanne Burroughs
Genre: Mainstream Romance
Buy: B&N
Blurb:
In 1304, amidst Scotland's continuing war for independence, two wounded souls are forced on a journey neither wants, resulting in tragedy and disaster.
Battle-hardened, untrusting, and son of a Scottish Chieftain, Duncan MacThomas wants only to see his country free from English rule. Honor-bound to ensure his clan's financial future, Duncan travels to wed a woman he doesn't want.
Wealthy and pampered, Catherine Gillingham anticipates a marriage to a Duke's son and is dismayed when her king decrees she must wed a Scotsman.
Can these two opposites find love amidst war?
Enchanting Excerpt:
When the priest asked for Catherine’s voice of consent, her eyes slipped sideways to appraise the angry man beside her. His stony silence seemed as eloquent as any bard’s tale. He wanted nothing to do with her.
Her voice cracking, she barely whispered the words that would forever alter the course of her life. "I will."
The man beside her stood rigid as she gave her response. He exhaled loudly and said through clenched teeth, "Aye, I will."
The priest completed the holy message despite the palpable tension, then moved inside the chapel to offer communion and bless the marriage.
Catherine couldn’t believe the priest’s audacity when at ceremony’s end he smiled at Duncan and said, "You may give your bride the kiss of peace."
Duncan eyed the priest as if he’d lost his mind, then turned for the first time to face his lady wife.
Trying to keep his expression unreadable, his gaze traversed the length of her body. Seal this unwanted union with a kiss to show the two families joined together with no ill feelings? He’d not do it. All he’d had to do was tell the priest he protested. The ceremony would have gone no further. He couldn’t do it. His clan needed him. Before he left home he’d decided not to stay with her after the wedding, wanting nothing to do with a woman his father selected. He planned to leave as soon as he took her to his home. He wouldn’t change his mind now.
He stood resolute—and unable to breathe—for he stared at one of the loveliest women he’d ever seen.
Also available: Smashwords
Website: http://leanneburroughs.com
Facebook: leannelanzaburroughs
Weekenders Romance
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Author: Leanne Burroughs
Genre: Mainstream Romance
Buy: Amazon
Blurb:
While the Scottish War for Independence rages, a young Laird heads to the Scottish-English border to avenge his father’s murder. The time for retribution has arrived. Rage tightly controlled, Grant Drummond presses forward toward the Norman-style manor to take its inhabitants by surprise.
Victoria Blackstone tensed with a sense of foreboding. Her stomach knotted as she surveyed the men surrounding her. Instinct warned her to escape. Her movements gave Grant pause. As his grey eyes surveyed the woman fate just delivered into his hands, he smiled—first time since hearing the terrible news about his father’s death.
Enchanting Excerpt:
“What will you do with her, Grant?”
A chill washed over Victoria.
Looking into her soft brown eyes, Grant saw an attempt at bravado. The top of her head didn’t even reach his chin. A look of defiance blazed from the depths of her eyes and he almost laughed. Most men were afraid of him, so she certainly should be. She should be quaking in her borrowed boots. After all, he held her life in his hands. He instilled fear in men much larger and braver than this wee wisp of a girl.
Leave her. That’s what he’d do.
He hadn’t come to take prisoners. He’d traveled to Berwick to kill Blackstone, and that he’d done—with his own sword. He didn’t need to kill everyone as the detestable English had done at the massacre that left thousands dead. Those were their filthy tactics, not his.
How could he have mistaken her for a lad, even if only momentarily? From what he could see beneath the soot, he imagined her quite pretty. She returned his glare insolently, yet her breaths came heavy with fear. She drew her tongue between her parched lips.
The effect on him proved immediate. “Fetch her,” he shot over his shoulder as he walked away. The young woman stared in mute horror, as if not believing she’d correctly heard his words.
“Nay!” Her eyes grew wide with terror.
Grant heard the desperation in her voice.
“Grant?” Alexander queried.
“Fetch her.” Grant didn’t look back or spare the woman in question a second glance. He struggled not to break into a grin. Failing, a hint of a smile eased up the corners of his lips as he walked away and found his mount.
‘Twas the first time he’d smiled since hearing the terrible news about his father.
Also available: B&N | Smashwords
Website: http://leanneburroughs.com
Facebook: leannelanzaburroughs
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
Weekenders Romance
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Author: P. A. Estelle
Genre: Mainstream Romance
Buy: Amazon
Blurb:
Jesse Mason is bone tired and just miles from home when a strange sound drifting with a Kansas wind catches his ear.
He spies something hiding in the tall grass. His temper sizzles at the sight of a horse, dead from exertion, and is ready to string up the cowboy that has done this. What Jesse finds is no cowboy at all, but a woman who has been shot and an infant, both, he fears will not make it to his home alive.
Enchanting Excerpt:
What are you doing out here, little one? I surely don’t know what to do with the likes of you. A tiny hand came up to grasp his finger, dredging up painful memories that Jesse quickly shook away.
Website: www.pennystales.com
Blog: www.pennyestelle.blogspot.com
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Penny-Estelle/e/B006S62XBY
