@LoniFlowers Shares an #Excerpt from WITNESS TO MY HEART - #Romance #AmReading

“So, how long have you been out of the Army?”

“A little over a year.”

“Did you leave when David did?”

Max stretched his arm across the back of the bench behind me. “We left at the same time; but, no, David chose not to re-enlist when his term was up. I wasn’t given any options.”

That seemed kind of harsh. Unless he was fighting or being disruptive—which I could definitely see—why couldn’t he re-enlist? “Dishonorably discharged?”

“I guess you could say that.”

“What did you do to warrant that?”

“I didn’t do anything.” What is this? Fifty Questions?”

“It’s however-many-questions-you’ll-answer,” I said nonchalantly.

“Oh, I see. And can I play this game too?”

“I guess it depends on what you ask.”

Max pivoted towards me and his right leg pressed against mine. “Okay, let’s get right down to it. What are you hiding from?”

My eyes bulged wide with disbelief. How did he know? I was no different around him than anyone else. “What? What are you talking about? Who said I was hiding from something?”

He smirked with amusement. “Denial. It’s okay. I get it. Tell me why you were so scared in the lobby? You never showed that kind of fear towards me before.”

“You have no idea what you’re talking about. And I wasn’t scared. I couldn’t see your face temporarily because of the bright glare from the sun. When you grabbed me, it startled me.” As if I would confess everything to him just because he asked. Yeah, right.

“You know, you can’t ask me questions and expect answers, if you’re not willing to offer up anything in return.”

He was right.

It wasn’t fair. I should have known better than most people how hard it was to conceal personal facts about your life, and if Max didn’t want to share his, I should have respected his choice.

“You’re right. I’m sorry. I hoped to ask you some basic questions. You know, favorite color, favorite dessert, dog or cat, what you do for a living… those types of things.”

“Well, you haven’t asked me those questions. But if you must know, I don’t have a favorite color. I don’t do pets. They’re a responsibility I don’t want or have time for. And I work for a buddy of mine in St. Louis as a private investigator. It’s nothing like a full-time career, however, just whenever he needs me. I don’t need the money, but it doesn’t hurt to get paid doing easy jobs; and it keeps my mind focused on other things.” His finger curled around a lock of my hair as he shifted beside me.

“You forgot one,” I mumbled, enjoying his aimless tugging on my hair.

“What?”

“Dessert. What’s your favorite?”

“Strawberries… and whipped cream, if it’s around. Lots and lots of whipped cream.”

I was about to bite into a carrot stick, but stopped with it halfway to my mouth. His words seemed to drip from his lips. If he had leaned in a few more inches and kissed me—minus the carrot—I would have let him. He was only a few inches away, and I caught his eyes flickering from my eyes to my mouth. My mouth watered, imagining how strawberries and whipped cream would taste from his kiss. I licked my lips… and ate the carrot.

He leaned against the bench with a sly grin. “Does that about answer all your questions?”

I recovered as best I could and peeked at my watch. “I supposed it’ll do for now. I have to get back.”

Max stood and held his hand out to pull me up. “Until next time,” he said, walking me to the passenger side of his car.

Settling in the seat, I gave him a curious glance, not knowing if that were a question or a statement. I answered with, “Maybe.” I still wasn’t sure what to think about Max. He was an asshole one minute, a comforting savior the next, and pure sex-on-a-stick twenty-four hours of every day.

Keep a low profile. That's what Abigale Peterson was supposed to do, especially when the person she was being protected from was one of the world's worst crime lords. After seven years in the Witness Protection Program, she felt no safer now than she did when she was seventeen. Revenge was rarely forgotten when it came to a professional criminal like Zerilli.

Low profiles meant no social life and definitely no love life.

Paranoia and lies became daily habits, going against everything Abigale believed in, but they kept her safe. They kept everyone safe.

Until a house fire puts her out of that safety and into the arms of a stranger. Max Smith is sexy, smart, and has major attitude. He’s the only one who seems to get her. He calms her fears and comforts her from her nightmares. But he also sees right through her lies.

Before Abigale can stop, she’s in too deep; confiding too much and breaking the one rule she promised herself to uphold: Never fall in love.

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Genre – Contemporary Romance

Rating – R

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Kari Nichols on #Writing as a Form of Personal Therapy @TheKariNichols #AmWriting #HistFic

Why Writing is a Form of Personal Therapy

I use writing as therapy for several reasons. First, it’s the one thing that I can always count on to calm me down no matter what else is going on in my life. When I put all my concentration into the lives of my characters, I don’t have to worry about what’s happening in my own life. I guess it’s my own little escape from reality. Second, if I’m really upset or excited about something, I can funnel those emotions into my work. I enjoy taking the excitement of good news and using that enthusiasm to connect with a character that is experiencing a similar situation (and the same goes for when I’m feeling sad or angry). Finally, when I’m able to see the fruits of the hard work that I’ve put into my novels and short stories, I have the most incredible sense of accomplishment and relief.

When I write, I feel like I’m developing as a person. Creating worlds and characters stretches my mind and forces me to grow to new heights to attain the next level of mastery I need in order to develop a unique story.

“We stand united, Family of Immortals. Plagued by life. Cursed by the hand of God …”

Rogue was born into an immortal family whose wealth is marked by a trail of blood. But when he meets the unnervingly familiar assistant of his next target, an unexpected rush of emotions begins to unravel his carefully laid plans.

Lissie lives a mundane life filled with work … and little else. She hasn’t taken a risk since she moved to New York City after college—seven years ago. But when the mysterious Matthew McCloud walks through the door of her office, she finds herself diving head-first into a whirlwind romance she never saw coming.

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Genre - Urban Fantasy, Contemporary Romance, Historical Romance

Rating – PG-13

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Website http://karinichols.com/

#BookReview : Sunspots by @KarenSueBell : #ReviewShare #Romance

Sunspots by Karen S. Bell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really like Karen Bell's writing and feel she should be lauded for writing such a captivating story in a beautifully sophisticated style. As an avid reader, I’ve encountered a great variety of literary voices, and find the stories written with eloquence are the easiest to embrace and finish. Sloppy writing or unnatural, even pretentious, language for a character can move my focus to the awry wording rather than enjoying the story that’s being told.

This never happened with Karen’s story, which contained clear, descriptive language and evocative dialogue that gave the reader the feeling of reliving the story with the main character, Aurora. The story itself deals with the complexities of life including loss and depression, plus the support and strength needed to move on and grow. This story has some elements of a mystery novel, which really makes it intriguing as you find out more and more.

As you turn the pages, you’ll find yourself guessing. I think there was a good build up until you finally see all the pieces clearly about Jake and Aurora’s relationship. The story is not linear, so the reader moves through various memories, conversations, and forward to current happenings in Aurora’s life as she learns more about her relationship with Jake and ultimately herself. I really enjoyed the mystical elements and could relate to the way Aurora must work on changing certain patterns in her life.

Some of the darker parts were difficult to read, but I was happy to see they helped this character to develop emotionally as well. I don’t want to spoil the ending, but I can promise you won’t finish reading on a bleak note! There was plenty to look forward to on each page, so I thoroughly recommend reading this book! I'll be looking forward to exploring some of Karen's other works.

Disclosure - As a Quality Reads UK Book Club member, I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I received no monetary compensation for my book review. This book review is based on my thoughts, opinion and understanding of the book. This book review does not reflect the opinion of other book club members.

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Sunspots by Karen S. Bell @KarenSueBell #AmReading #Romance #GoodReads

As I lie in bed with these thoughts, I finally notice that Marina has quietly come back into my room and is sitting in the armchair watching me. She offers me some more medicine and I shake my head, “no.” I don’t want to sleep, and I don’t want to be awake. There is no comfort in anything. She says, “Come. We’ll have a nice cup of tea.” And I follow her downstairs and into the kitchen, zombie-like. I watch her with dull eyes that do not see her movements as she opens cupboards and finds a teapot, cups, and tea bags. I listen with deaf ears to her hum a Russian tune. I sit patiently with no patience sipping the tea I cannot taste. In silence, we sit. In silence, we speak without speaking. Marina’s life force wills me to feel her love. 

And then she tells me her plan. “Maybe, I’ll stay with you awhile. Nothing back in Brooklyn right now.” I answer, mouthing words that I want to feel and yet cannot feel because I have closed myself off to the emotions of life, “Oh yes, please stay, Marina. I couldn’t bear all this alone.” I’m overwhelmed by her generosity, my loss, and the hidden truths lurking under the surface waiting to be revealed. Then the cordoned off person inside me breaks through all my controls again and unwonted tears erupt in a torrent of suppressed anguish. I am enveloped in her arms and her soothing voice whispers calming words as I try to regain the safety of stoicism.
 
Marina and I, sisters of a sort, sit together in my huge kitchen, in my huge house, sharing the huge hole in my heart as my tears pour down my face, flowing as if someone has turned on a spigot. Two small souls in a too-big kitchen of a too-big house silently wondering about the business problems of which his lawyer spoke using carefully chosen words somberly executed while his eyes burned with deep meaning. Problems that would have to be sorted out after I finished sitting “Shivah.” How can one cope with all of this? When will I wake up from this nightmare?
 
Eventually, it is dawn and I must sit on the wooden bench that signifies my mourning as memories cloud the present and I relive a life that is no more.

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Genre – Contemporary Romance, Magical Realism

Rating – PG-13

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To Love A Cat by Billi Tiner @TinerBooks #AmReading #Contemporary #Romance

Cat awoke early the next morning. Her body was filled with a nervous tension. She scurried around the house tidying up. After the third time she’d straightened the pillows on the sofa, she stopped and took a deep breath.

“Calm down, Cat. There’s no reason to be so nervous. He’s just a kid,” she muttered.

She jumped when the doorbell rang. She pasted a smile on her face and hurried to open the door.

“Hello, Cat,” Stacy greeted. “This is Ethan.”

“Hi, Ethan. I’m glad you’re here. Come on in.”

Ethan stood on the stoop with his shoulders hunched and his hands shoved in the pockets of his jeans. He wore a backpack slung over his right shoulder. He stared at the tops of his shoes. He didn’t look up at her when she spoke.

Cat stepped back to allow Stacy and Ethan room to enter. As they walked in, she ran her eyes quickly over the boy. His T-shirt was faded, the material worn thin. She could see the big toe of his left foot peeking through a hole in his tennis shoe.

“Why don’t we have a seat at the dining table?” Stacy suggested. “You two can get to know each other a bit before I go.”

“Sounds good,” Cat replied quickly, relieved that Stacy was going to stay for a few minutes.

After they were seated, Cat wiped her moist hands on her jeans. She cleared her throat and asked, “So, what grade are you in, Ethan?”

“Eighth,” he replied, still not looking at her.

“Do you play any sports?”

“No,” was his one-word reply.

“Ethan is really good at art,” Stacy put in.

“That’s cool. I like art, too,” Cat replied. “Do you prefer to draw or paint?”

Ethan didn’t answer. After a brief pause, Cat asked, “Is there anything you’d like to know about me?”

Ethan looked up and met her eyes for the first time. He studied her closely. Finally, he asked, “Why am I here?”

Cat knew this was an important moment. She needed to answer him honestly. “There are two parts to that answer. Why did I bring a foster child into my home? When I was 15, my parents kicked me out. I didn’t have any place to go. I swore that when I was older, I would be there for another kid, so they wouldn’t have to do it alone, like I did. Why did I pick you? Stacy thinks you have a lot of potential, and you’d have more of a chance in a home without any other kids. She seems to think that you and I will get along well together.”

She held her breath waiting for his response. Finally, he nodded, accepting her answer, then lowered his eyes back to the table.

Cat let out the breath she’d been holding. She smiled at Stacy, feeling more confident than she had before they’d arrived.

Stacy returned her smile. “Well, I guess I’d better be on my way. I’ll be back next week to check on you. Good luck.”

Cat walked Stacy to the door. Ethan stayed at the table. “Call, if you need me,” Stacy said, pulling Cat into a quick embrace.

“I will,” Cat promised.

“Don’t expect too much too soon, Cat. He’s had a rough time of it. It’s going to take a lot of love and patience to break through his guard,” Stacy whispered.

“I know,” Cat replied. “I’ve been there.”

“That’s why I’m so confident this will work,” Stacy said, giving Cat one more squeeze.

From the author of “Dogs Aren’t Men” comes “To Love a Cat”, a contemporary romance novel.

Catherine “Cat” James’ life is simple and orderly, and she likes it that way. She loves her job as an accountant. Working with numbers is safe and routine, no surprises. Her childhood had been very abusive and unstable. She vowed not to live that way as an adult. She also made a promise to herself to become a foster parent. She wished someone had been there for her as a teenager, to let her know she wasn’t alone.

Cat agrees to foster Ethan Summers, a troubled teenage boy whose childhood closely resembles her own. Suddenly, her nice and orderly life is filled with chaos and uncertainty. Things really start to spin out of control when circumstances bring police detective Mitch Holt into the picture. He’s handsome, charming, and definitely not what Cat needs right now, or so she thinks.

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Genre – Contemporary Romance

Rating – PG

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Connect with Billi Tiner on Facebook & Twitter

Website www.tinerbooks.blogspot.com

Blissful Tragedy by Amy L Gale @amyg618 #Romance #Excerpt #MustRead

My heart races and I begin to hyperventilate. I haven’t been with anyone other than Jesse for two years. That ended up a disaster; I hope my sexual skills are up to par. To make matters worse, Van Sinclair is gorgeous, confident, and no doubt very experienced. I don’t even want to know how many woman he has been with. There were at least fifty throwing themselves at him the night we met.

I go into Brooke’s bedroom, open the nightstand drawer, and take out a sleeve of condoms. Even though I’ve been on the pill for years, I still want to protect myself. I have to get rid of this nervous energy before I get to Atlantic City. I must believe that Van has been texting and calling me because he wants to know me. He could easily have sex with much less effort if that was what he was after. I have to believe that he truly wants to be with me and there’s no doubt I want to be with him, no matter what I try to tell myself. He awakens every hibernating cell in my body. I smile as I think through all of our conversations and texts. My little self-pep talk boosts my confidence. I grab my overnight bag and head for the car. I’m on my way to Van Sinclair.

It’s a three-hour car ride from my apartment to Atlantic City. I really don’t mind. The drive gives me some more time to think and convince myself that I’m the woman Van Sinclair wants. I begin to fidget and become more restless the closer I get to Atlantic City. My heart beats a little faster with every passing mile. I can’t wait to see Van again. Plus, this time we’ll be alone after the concert. I won’t be in a room filled with other woman trying to compete for his attention. He’ll be completely mine.

I twirl my hair around my fingers as I pull into the hotel’s parking garage. Salty air and the cackle of seagulls greet me as I step outside. The hotel rests on the boardwalk

and leads to a pristine white sandy beach. It’s reminiscent of the long-lost glamour that Atlantic City possessed in eras past. I walk into the enormous lobby and admire the crystal chandeliers and marble tiles. I text Van, letting him know I’d arrived and set my bag onto the floor.

The elevator doors slowly open. My whole body erupts in goose bumps as the unique electricity flows through me. I glance down at the dark-blue ripped jeans that hang down on his hips just enough to flaunt his chiseled abs, and then focus my gaze to yet another tight black T-shirt that once again does not fail to show off just about every muscle in his perfect body. Wow! The fluttering in my stomach begins.

He walks up to me, rubbing the back of his neck. “You look great! Thanks for driving all this way. I’m sorry, I should’ve gotten a ride for you.”

“I didn’t mind the drive, it was relaxing,” I say, fidgeting with my necklace.

He drops his arm. “So what do you think of the place?”

“It’s absolutely beautiful.” I take a step back and glance around once more.

Van lifts my bag with one hand and puts the other hand around my waist. Sparks flow through my body, drifting from my fingertips to my toes. I take a deep breath and try to steady my heartbeat.

“Come on, I want to show you our room.” He guides me toward the elevator.

I follow him like a moth to a flame.

Sometimes love is more than tragedy or bliss.

Ambitious 22-year-old Lexie Waters is intent on taking the advertising world by storm. When she’s offered the soon to be open position she’s been vying for at a swanky advertising agency, there’s only one last summer separating her from dreams of corporate success. Still bitter from catching her boyfriend cheating, she heads out for a night of fun to see her favorite band, Devil’s Garden, but fun turns into utter embarrassment when she insults the enticingly confident lead singer, Van Sinclair. 

Van is intrigued by Lexie’s ability to resist his charm and secretly obtains her cell number. Shocked but eager to get to know this captivating rocker, Lexie accepts Van’s invitation to see his next show, which requires an overnight stay. The overwhelming feelings that follow take them both by surprise, and with two months left before starting her sought after new position, Lexie joins the tour. As she’s catapulted into the world of groupies and wild parties, she questions Van’s commitment to her. So what happens at summer’s end when time runs out?

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Genre - Contemporary Romance

Rating – R

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Connect with Amy L Gale on Facebook & Twitter

Website www.authoramygale.com