Monthly Archives: March 2015
Ramblings of a Lifelong Elvis Fan – Part 35 – AWESOME Elvis Gift Bag Giveaway – Winner and answers announced!
Filed under Uncategorized
Ramblings of a Lifelong Elvis Fan – Part 38 – Elvis Impersonators…Yes or No?
Sorry this is posting on Saturday instead of Friday. And late at that. These past few days have been a whirlwind!
Elvis impersonators, we’ve all seen them. Some are talented and respectful, others look like caricatures with their ridiculously bushy sideburns and poofed up hair, their squatty, fat bodies and homely faces. They think they can deepen their voices and mumble, “Thank you, thank you very much” and we’re supposed to think they’re like Elvis. I’m not sure if they are trying to be funny (if they are trying, it’s not working), or if they really think they look and sound like Elvis. I can tell you right now, you don’t. No one does, no matter what they, or anyone else thinks. There was truly only one, and always will be only one, Elvis Aaron Presley.
There are also Elvis Tribute Artists. These guys seem to be a bit more respectful and serious. They seem to be a little closer to looking and sounding like Elvis. This guy, Donny Edwards, has won several ETA contests, and he seems to truly love Elvis.
But again, I’m afraid they all miss their mark. No one has that tone, that quality to their voice. That magic in their performances, that way of carrying themselves and moving the way The King of Rock and Roll did. Case in point, watch this video of Elvis singing Bridge Over Troubled Water in concert. You can feel it, deep in your soul. I can’t listen to him do this sound without getting choked up, and watching him sing it magnifies it ten-fold. Beautiful and moving. There absolutely is no other Elvis. No one who even comes close.
I dislike watching impersonators and tribute artists, because, if I can’t have the real thing, what’s the point? I can deal with substitutions for margarine, sugar, and even crab meat, but not for the one and only Elvis. I don’t even like it when people say “Thank you, thank you very much.” Anything to do with Elvis should be left to Elvis.
I’m going to be in Vegas toward the end of April, and they’re opening a new Elvis exhibit called The Elvis Experience, and I am going to try to go, just because I want to see the items on display and it should be a big, beautiful, exciting extravaganza, but apparently, a guy dresses up and performs Elvis songs. Personally, I could do without that part. Although, I might change my mind once I see it. It’s endorsed by Graceland Enterprises, so I’m sure it’s fabulous. I’ll be sure to blog about it when I return.
http://www.graceland.com/vegas/
So, how do you feel? Do you enjoy impersonators or do you think they should give it a rest?
EOLS Charity
Elvis was known for his giving heart and charitable work during his lifetime. Lisa Marie and Elvis Presley Enterprises have continued that tradition with their involvement in various charities. In 1984, The Elvis Charitable Foundation was formed. The EPCF created a scholarship fund for students majoring in the arts. The charity also contributes to one of Elvis’ favorite charities, Goodwill Homes, a Memphis facility that provides counseling and services for abused children and their families. The EPCF also assists numerous other charities, especially focusing on arts, education and children’s programs.
Learn more here, including how to donate:
http://www.graceland.com/epcf/
On Elvis’ birthday this year, I released a Vintage Romance short story set in 1957, and of course, my heroine is an Elvis fan. 🙂 As a tribute to Elvis’ generosity, and in order to assist with this worthy cause, 10% of my proceeds for End of Lonely Street will go to the EPCF.
All Toby Lawson wants is to go to college to become a teacher and to be free of her alcoholic mother and some painful memories. But when her mother nearly burns the house down, Toby must put her dreams on hold and return home to care for her. The only time she isn’t lonely and miserable is when she’s listening to her heartthrob, Elvis Presley. His music takes her away and helps her escape from everything wrong in her life.
Noah Rivers has always loved Toby, but no matter what he says, she can‘t get past the fact that her drunken mother once kissed him. He soon realizes the true problem lies in Toby’s belief she’s not good enough for him and in her fear she will be just like her mother.
What will it take to prove to her that she deserves to be happy, and that he would give anything to be the man to make her dreams come true?
***ONLY $1.99***
Filed under Elvis Presley, Entertainment
Ramblings of a Lifelong Elvis Fan – Part 35 – AWESOME Elvis Gift Bag Giveaway
This week, I am rolling out a contest and giving away a really great gift bag that only Elvis fans will be interested in. Along with it, I’m sharing a little trivia. (Well, you’ll have to come back to get the answers to the trivia)
GIVEAWAY: One commenter will win this Elvis gift bag simply by answering the below questions. You do not have to get them correct to win, but you do have to attempt to answer each.
ALSO, the first 5 people to email me at AliciaMDean@aol.com with the Subject line: EOLS will receive a free Ebook copy of End of Lonely Street. (you do not have to be a U.S. Resident to receive the ebook. Please include your preferred format in the email: PDF, Gifted through Kindle or Nook)
*** TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
No purchase necessary to win.
The contest is in no way sponsored by…
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Filed under Uncategorized
Jarillo Sunset by Constance Bretes – $1.99 for a Limited Time!
When two strangers meet on a lonely road is it mere coincidence or fate?
Real estate agent Char Johnson is on her way to meet a client when she gets a flat tire. It’s a meeting she can’t afford to miss since she’s just been told she may be out of a job if she doesn’t beat out a co-worker in sales over the next few months. When Vincent Carter stops and helps her, she’s grateful beyond words and is determined to pay him back for his kindness, which is how she ends up agreeing to be his date to a wedding.
Ever since his divorce Vincent has been on a hiatus from relationships, and he’s perfectly happy with that. He’s not looking to get involved with anyone, but he does need a date for a wedding.
Although the two discover they enjoy each other’s company, and there is definitely an attraction, with their schedules it would be difficult to find time to pursue anything. Vincent works two jobs, and Char is working extra hours to save her own job. Then there’s the conniving ex who seems determined to win Vincent back, a whole slew of family drama for both of them, and the list goes on. The obstacles in their way seem to grow by the minute.
And even if they could overcome those, Char may not be able to overcome her own insecurities, not to mention her intense dislike for Vincent’s profession. Her father’s gambling addiction destroyed their family, so for her to now get involved with someone who works at a casino…
Will Char be destined to be alone forever? Or can the handsome Native American she met by chance break through her walls and ease the loneliness in her life?
Content Warning: contains some sexual content
EXCERPT
Char Johnson slammed her fist into the steering wheel. “Well, that’s just great. I don’t know why the hell I get stuck with this company car.” Char looked around her surroundings. She was in the middle of nowhere, with a flat tire and a dead cellphone.
Her week had already started out badly. She had been told earlier by her boss that she had three months to beat Mike Ventura in sales. She and Mike were the last two real estate agents hired at Stillwater Realty and they were low on the seniority list. Since the housing market bottomed out, sales had plummeted and one of them would be losing their job. The competition was stiff enough without increasing the competition among employees. She had been on her way to meet a potential seller, but now it looked like she wouldn’t make it.
She stepped out of the car then kicked the flat tire. “Ouch!”
She surveyed the area around her. Based on the information she had, she figured she was about two miles from her destination. The sun was beating down, and the temperature was already a sweltering ninety-five degrees and it was supposed to get hotter. The surrounding area was flat, and almost barren, reminding her of the Sahara desert.
She looked down at what she had on—a blue pinstripe business suit with a white blouse that had lace around the neckline and down the front where the buttons were. She had on a pair of expensive Jimmy Choo high heels. At six hundred dollars a pair they would not be good for walking on a dirt road. I’m not dressed for a hiking expedition!
She was short—five foot three—and she wore heels because it put her at eye level with most of her clients and with the staff at Stillwater Realty. She was glad that she’d had the sense to pull her long hair pulled back into a French braid so it was off her neck and not making a hot day hotter. She had thought about getting her hair cut a million times, and a million times, she’d chickened out.
She had worked up the gumption to start walking toward the subdivision when she turned around one last time and thought she saw a car coming way off in the distance. The car looked like a ghostly silhouette with the hot sun beating down from the sky. She decided she would wait a few minutes to see if the car would stop to help her.
* * * *
On his way home from work at the Apache White Eagle Casino, Vincent Carter turned onto Pueblo Lane, heading down the lone dirt road to his house at the Sunnyside subdivision, south of Jarillo. The county road commission had just leveled the dirt road, making it easier to drive the posted speed. His eyes burned from exhaustion, and he wanted to catch a catnap before going to Jake’s tonight. Jake was having a steak dinner cookout with the band. After the band, White Sands, finished their gig at the casino last night, they were taking a break for the next two weeks. Next Saturday Jake was getting married and would be gone for one week on his honeymoon. The band rarely took any time off to relax or take a vacation.
It had been a particularly busy morning at the Apache White Eagle Casino in Hobbs, New Mexico. It seemed the retirees that came in the night before never left the casino to go to bed and he was serving cheap beer and drinks constantly from the time he got there at 4:00 AM until 10:00 AM.
Vincent was feeling agitated and particularly moody this morning. He was happy for his friends Jake and Jennifer. It took them five years to decide they couldn’t live without each other. He found that his own self-imposed avoidance of getting involved with someone else meant he would be only one of two guys at the wedding without a date. Hell, the whole damn town of Jarillo was going to be there, so he knew he couldn’t miss it.
Vincent saw a movement up the road and lifted his shades up from his nose as he squinted. What the hell was that? As he drew closer, he could see there was a car parked on the side of the road, and a woman stood next to it, waving her hand.That’s all I need now, to have to stop to help someone with car problems. He slowed down, pulled up behind the car, and rolled his window down.
The woman walked quickly toward his SUV, her heels stinking into the dirt road as she approached. “Oh, you don’t know how happy I am to see you.”
“What seems to be the problem?” he asked.
“I have a flat tire, and I don’t know how to change it. I’m on my way to meet someone at the Sunnyside subdivision and my cellphone is dead.”
Vincent slipped his SUV into park and opened the door and got out. As he walked over to take a look at the tire he saw artwork on the car that indicated it belonged to Stillwater Realty.
After he’d checked out the tire Vincent turned back toward her and he was immediately taken in by her beauty. She had clear green eyes, a lovely face that had little makeup, and auburn-colored hair pulled back in a braid. His eyes dropped to her neck, and then to her chest. She had on a blue pinstripe suit with a white blouse. He couldn’t tell for sure, but it looked like she had a pretty spectacular pair of breasts. His eyes went lower, to her waist and then her nicely-shaped hips. The skirt was short, about two inches above her knees, and she had a good looking pair of legs. His gaze drifted a little further, to her feet, and he cringed inwardly when he saw the thick high heels that brought her height up to about five feet five. He couldn’t imagine someone walking in those high heels and not tripping or falling. Vincent brought his gaze immediately back up to hers.
“Do you have a spare tire in the car?” he asked.
“Um, I don’t know. Let me look.” She walked to the back of the car and clicked the little button on the key pad and popped the trunk open. “Oh, I guess I do,” she said with a smile that was genuine and lit up her face.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Buy Link: http://www.amazon.com/Jarillo-Sunset-Constance-Bretes-ebook/dp/B00UOAN13Y/
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1121417880?ean=2940151372701
Bio:
Constance Bretes is an author of contemporary romance and suspense. Her romance books are often set in different parts of the country, but her favorite site is Montana. She’s married to her best friend and resides in Michigan with him and a houseful of cats. When she’s not at her regular 8-to-5 job, she can be found writing, researching, and spending time with her husband.
You can learn more about Connie and her books at her website atwww.conniebretes.weebly.com. You can also follow her on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/constancebretes or Twitter atwww.twitter.com/conniebretes.
Filed under Entertainment, For Writers
Tons of 99¢ Ebooks!!! Romance, Paranormal, Suspense, Erotica, Historical
Scroll through our list of books and short stories for only 99¢ each! Below each cover is a clickable link for that book. A variety of genres from sweet to suspense to paranormal to erotica to historical…enjoy!
(PLEASE CHECK BEFORE ORDERING!!! – We are not responsible if prices are no longer 99 cents)
Disclaimer: I have not necessarily read nor do I endorse any of the books on this list. It is advisable to read the Amazon excerpt before purchasing.
Now…for some shopping fun!
(Tip: When you are on the link, right click to open a new window so you will not be taken away from the page)
Soul Seducer: Reapers of Boon Book 1, Paranormal Romance Novel by Alicia Dean
She spent her entire life fighting death. Now she’s falling in love with him.
Click here to pre-order on Amazon
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Let’s Pretend (a second chance romantic comedy novella) by Monique DeVere
Sometimes a second chance is all you need.
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Quotable – Bloomington Series book 1 by Kathy L Wheeler
Using obscure quotes to keep people at bay? Ridiculous–or is it?
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How To Woo… A Reluctant Bride (Victorian Historical Short Story) by Lyndi Lamont
Armed with a copy of the Kama Sutra, Evan sets out to seduce his reluctant bride into passionate surrender.
Click here to purchase from Amazon
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The Heart of the Phoenix, a Medieval Romance Novel, by Barbara Bettis
Some call him a ruthless mercenary; she calls him the knight of her heart.
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The sale ends April 3, 2015
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Mind Reader, a Romantic Suspense Novel, by Vicki Hinze
She’s a fallen psychic empath; he’s an investigator out to prove she’s a fraud.
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The Player, a Young Adult Ocean Mist Story, by Brenda Maxfield
Beauty can make a fool out of any guy.
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The Elusive Wife. #1 Marriage Mart Mayhem series by USA Today Best selling author, Callie Hutton
He doesn’t know he’s about to fall in love with his wife . . .
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Sale ends March 22, 2015
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Alpha Wolf’s Pet Hidden, Book 1 A steamy paranormal romance novella by Eva Gordon
On the run from the Russian mob, Mia hides in a forest, only to meet the Big Bad Sexy Werewolf.
Click here to purchase from Amazon
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Baby, It’s Cold Outside, a Contemporary Romance Novella by Carly Carson
Cold out there in the blizzard. Hot in here where she’s stranded in Grant’s apartment. Can he convince her to stay?
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LuvU4Ever: A Moment in Time Romance Short Story, by Joan Reeves
Can 9 little words destroy a forever love?
Click here to purchase from Amazon.
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Cinderella Blue: Book 2, San Antone Two-Step, Contemporary Romance (Romantic Comedy), by Joan Reeves
Love means never having to say: “You’re under arrest.
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Friends With Benefits: Part One, Contemporary Interracial Romance Novella by Alaina Marks
Falling for the bad boy wasn’t the plan but she soon learned, plans have a tendency to change.
Click here to purchase from Amazon
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INSIGHT, Erotic romance short story by Annie Rayburn (Carol Burnside w/a Annie Rayburn)
What’s a woman to do when her life-mate won’t follow when beckoned? Seduce him with his own desires, of course!
Click here to purchase from Amazon
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THE WIDOWS’ GALLERY, A Lobster Cove Series Novel, Women’ Fiction/Romance by Marilyn Baron
Four widows find love when they open an art gallery in Lobster Cove, Maine.
Click here to purchase from Amazon
Sale runs through April 3
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KILLER CRUISE, Psychic Suspense Novel, Book Three of The Psychic Crystal Mystery Series by Marilyn Baron.
Murder, mystery and romance; hijinx on the high seas.
Click here to purchase from Amazon
Sale runs through April 3.
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THE FILES DEATH FORGOT, A Supernatural Short Story by Marilyn Baron
Death Takes a Holiday
Click here to purchase from Amazon
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The White Stallion, Theda Hudson
Wishing on a white horse was never so hot.
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The Rebel’s Redemption, a romantic suspense novel by Jacquie Biggar
Is it ever too late to atone for past mistakes?
Buy Link: Amazon
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A Lover for Rachel, Paranormal Romance with erotic elements, Novella by Lynn Crain
The magic of love comes to everyone.
Click here to purchase from Amazon.
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The Marriage Trap (Hawaiian Heat Series Book 1), a contemporary romance novel by Marissa Garner
She dreams of marriage; he thinks the institution is a trap…
Click here to purchase from Amazon
(99 cent price is available for a limited time)
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Dare To Trust, Book 2 The Lake Willowbee Series, contemporary romance novella by Jill James
Sometimes learning to trust is harder than learning to love.
Click here to purchase on Amazon
Always 99¢
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The Christmas Sisters, Christmas Sisters for All Seasons Book 1, an Inspirational Women’s Fiction/Romance novel by Annie Jones
Home isn’t just for the holidays
Click here to purchase from Amazon
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Taken by Storm, Book #1 of the Romantic Realms Collection, a romance novel by M.J. Schiller
Is their love strong enough to defeat a powerful and twisted enemy?
Click here to purchase from Amazon!
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A Knight to Remember, a Medieval Romance novella by Catherine Kean
Does she dare to love the roguish stranger, or is there far greater danger to Aislinn than risking her heart?
Click here to purchase from Amazon
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Of Love and Vengeance, historical romance novel, by Louise Lyndon
“He is her enemy. She is his wife. But will she really let him die once she learns the truth?”
Click here to purchase from Amazon
The sale ends April 2, 2015
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Death by Chocolate, an uncozy cozy mystery by Sally Berneathy
Lindsay Powell’s only secret is the recipe for her chocolate chip cookies, but she is surrounded by neighbors with deadly secrets.
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Audrey’s Promise, a Contemporary Romance novel by Susan Sheehey
Every promise has a price…
Click here to purchase from Amazon
Sale ends March 31st, 2015
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Enchantress’ Destiny. Paranormals of Arilase #2, a paranormal romance novella by Beth Caudill
One dark curse, two elves and a destiny neither could escape.
Click here to purchase from Amazon
Sale ends March 31st, 2015
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The Best Bet, Contemporary Romance Novel by Hebby Roman
All Bets are off when Love is on the Line
Click here to purchase from Amazon
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The Best Game, a Contemporary Romance Novel by Hebby Roman
Love Is the Best Game of All
Click here to purchase from Amazon
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Immortal Relations, a Paranormal-Romance Novel by G.D. Ogan
Click here to purchase from Amazon
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Immortal Relations, Love and War a Paranormal-Romance Novel by G.D. Ogan
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Immortal Relations Coming Out a Paranormal-Romance Novel by G.D. Ogan
Click here to purchase from Amazon
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Take Three, Please (A Menage, Sexy and Short Romance Book 1), Women’s Fiction Short Story by Anwen Stiles
Three gorgeous men stroll into Morgan’s bakery and her life will never be the same
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Three for Cici (A Menage, Sexy and Short Romance Book 2), Women’s Fiction Short Story by Anwen Stiles
Welcome to Morgan’s Bakery, where tasty treats are sold one at a time and hot guys come in groups of three!
Click here to purchase from Amazon
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Jackie’s Triple Play (A Menage, Sexy and Short Romance Book 3), Women’s Fiction Short Story by Anwen Stiles
Jackie finds ménage magic of her own at Morgan’s Bakery
Click here to purchase from Amazon
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Behind the Counter (Frisky Business, Open 24 Hours Book 1), Women’s Fiction Short Story by Anwen Stiles
In this store, naughty magazines aren’t the only sinful things kept behind the counter.
Click here to purchase from Amazon
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Between the Aisles (Frisky Business, Open 24 Hours Book 2), Women’s Fiction Short Story by Anwen Stiles
A hot new series with sizzling action in very public places. Gonna need a cleanup between the aisles
Click here to purchase from Amazon
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Inside the Cooler (Frisky Business, Open 24 Hours Book 3), Women’s Fiction Short Story by Anwen Stiles
One crazy night brings on crazier risks
Click here to purchase from Amazon
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Twice In A Blue Moon, Book 2 Blue Moon Magic Series by Honey Jans
One father, Two mothers, Four siblings. One incredible story about that special night which changes them all… Forever.
Click here to purchase on draft2digital.
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The Caledonian Privateer, novel, Gail MacMillan
Click Here to Purchase from Amazon
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Ghost of Winters Past, novel, Gail MacMillan
Click here to purchase from Amazon
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By the Blue Moon, Book 1 Blue Moon Magic Series — Werewolf Erotica, Novella — Debi Wilder
Live your life By the Blue Moon. One father, Two mothers, Four siblings. One incredible story about that special night which changes them all… Forever.
Click Here to Purchase: Amazon / B&N / Apple / Kobo / Smashwords / DerClub.de / Buecher.de / Hugendubel.de
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Taste the forbidden.
Click here to purchase from Amazon.
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NATHAN’S VOW (Search For Love series, Book 1), a Contemporary Romance by Karen Rose Smith
Nathan Bradley’s ex-wife disappeared with his daughters. Psychic Gillian Moore has a gift that could find them. Will Gillian and Nathan’s potent attraction be a roadblock that will prevent her gift from leading her to his children?
Click here to purchase from Amazon
Filed under Entertainment, For Writers
Ramblings of a Lifelong Elvis Fan – Part 37 – Elvis in the Army
I’m sure everyone knows the details of Elvis’ stint in the Army, but since the anniversary date is coming up, I thought I would use that as my blog topic. March 24th will be the 57th anniversary of Elvis’ 1958 induction into the Army, a day dubbed “black Monday” for his fans by the press. Elvis was drafted, and while he could have gone into Special Services, or avoided the draft altogether, he chose to serve. His decision resulted in many changes in his personal life and career. One thing it did was to alter the opinions of many of the older generation who gained a newfound respect for someone they’d previously accused of being vulgar, animalistic, and offensive.
Although he was terrified he would lose his foothold to fame, and he was terribly homesick, Elvis served his two years on the army, working alongside the others, requesting to be treated like any other soldier. Elvis pulled KP duty like the other soldiers, became a pistol sharpshooter, and mastered the tanks obstacle course. When Elvis was asked about his decision to serve as a regular soldier instead of as part of the service club. He said, “I was in a funny position. Actually, that’s the only way it could be. People were expecting me to mess up, to goof up in one way or another. They thought I couldn’t take it and so forth, and I was determined to go to any limits to prove otherwise, not only to the people who were wondering, but to myself.” In doing so, Elvis gained the respect of his fellow soldiers, who have attested to his wish to be seen as a regular soldier, despite his fame, and to his generosity while in the service. He donated his Army pay to charity, purchased TV sets for the base, and bought an extra set of fatigues for everyone in his outfit.
During his time in the service, two life-altering experiences occurred. His beloved mother, Gladys, passed away and he met Priscilla, who would later become his wife. Elvis also made many friends in the service, among them, Joe Esposito, who would become his assistant/road manager/right hand man, and Charlie Hodge, who sang with Elvis, handed him his scarves and water on stage, and performed various other important tasks. Both men loved Elvis dearly and stuck with him to the end.
The most tragic event in Elvis’ life, of course, was the loss of his mother. He was in Texas when Gladys became ill, he requested emergency medical leave, but it was denied. After he threatened to go AWOL, the army approved his leave, and the officer who originally denied his request was disciplined. It’s a good thing Elvis was able to be by her side. I can’t fathom how much more difficult her death would have been for him had he not seen her one last time.
Elvis had many admirable qualities, but his serving in the Armed Forces might be one of the most impressive, if you really put it into perspective. In today’s world, can you imagine Justin Bieber, the members of One Direction, or Justin Timberlake taking a break from their career to serve in the Army? (I realize Bieber is Canadian, and I think One Direction is British, and I adore JT, I’m just making a point here :))
As we all know, Elvis did NOT lose his foothold to fame. Although he didn’t perform live for 8 years after his return, and most of the records he made were movie sound tracks, the first record he recorded after his return was phenomenal, containing songs like Thrill of Your Love, Like a Baby, and Reconsider Baby. (I realize this might come as a shock, but I actually own the CD) 🙂 I’ll close with a video of one of my favorite songs from the original track list:
Don’t forget about the giveaway. One commenter on this previous blog post will win:
EOLS Charity
Elvis was known for his giving heart and charitable work during his lifetime. Lisa Marie and Elvis Presley Enterprises have continued that tradition with their involvement in various charities. In 1984, The Elvis Charitable Foundation was formed. The EPCF created a scholarship fund for students majoring in the arts. The charity also contributes to one of Elvis’ favorite charities, Goodwill Homes, a Memphis facility that provides counseling and services for abused children and their families. The EPCF also assists numerous other charities, especially focusing on arts, education and children’s programs.
Learn more here, including how to donate:
http://www.graceland.com/epcf/
On Elvis’ birthday this year, I released a Vintage Romance short story set in 1957, and of course, my heroine is an Elvis fan. 🙂 As a tribute to Elvis’ generosity, and in order to assist with this worthy cause, 10% of my proceeds for End of Lonely Street will go to the EPCF.
All Toby Lawson wants is to go to college to become a teacher and to be free of her alcoholic mother and some painful memories. But when her mother nearly burns the house down, Toby must put her dreams on hold and return home to care for her. The only time she isn’t lonely and miserable is when she’s listening to her heartthrob, Elvis Presley. His music takes her away and helps her escape from everything wrong in her life.
Noah Rivers has always loved Toby, but no matter what he says, she can‘t get past the fact that her drunken mother once kissed him. He soon realizes the true problem lies in Toby’s belief she’s not good enough for him and in her fear she will be just like her mother.
What will it take to prove to her that she deserves to be happy, and that he would give anything to be the man to make her dreams come true?
***ONLY $1.99***
Filed under Elvis Presley, Entertainment
New Release – Breaking all Barriers by Cait Jarrod – PLUS… A Giveaway!!!
Hi readers!
I’m excited to be here. I hope everyone is staying warm and safe this winter.
From March 13-19, I’m having a Facebook party on Breaking All Barriers’ page,
https://www.facebook.com/BreakingAllBarriersbyCaitJarrod
Each day, there will be a chance to win an autograph print book, ebooks, and more. Speaking of which, I have a raffle coinciding with the blog tour for an autograph copy of Breaking All Barriers. You can enter below. In addition, leave comments on the blogs with an email address and your name will be entered.
RAFFLE!
Happy reading!
A huge thank you to the blog host for having Breaking All Barriers and me!
~Cait
Breaking All Barriers
By Cait Jarrod
Release Date: March 13, 2015
Publisher: Wild Rose Press
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Can a single kiss change your life?
Businessman Cole Dunbar stays focused inventing the latest techno gadgets. When he learns of his deceased wife’s betrayal, he shuts the door on any personal relationships. There’s just one problem—the sexy Dina Wright who lives down the hall. He can’t keep her out of his thoughts and fantasies. When he sees her frightened on a New York City street, he tosses aside his reservations and reaches out to her.
Dina is high on life. Not only is she starting an advertising agency and her best friend is returning to NYC, an honest-to-God hunk is sending her spine-tingling looks. Despite past betrayals interfering, the budding romance picks up momentum, but Mother Nature spins her wrath. Amidst the chaos, Dina vanishes.
Like the book on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BreakingAllBarriersbyCaitJarrod
Excerpt:
The doorknob twisted easily under his hand and he peeked inside.
She reclined against the back of the tub as if asleep. He thought about leaving to give her privacy, but he had the niggling sense something was off.
Kneeling on the floor beside her, he set the glasses and beads on the floor. “Dina,” he said, lightly caressing two fingers to her arm. “Sweetheart.”
The stillness and paleness of her body sent a panic through him comparable to a blazing fire. “Dina, wake up!” He didn’t raise his voice but spoke stern and loud enough to get some sort of reaction.
Still, she lay in the tub of hot water comatose.
With each passing second, his thoughts worsened to the unthinkable. Pressing two fingers to the pulse point in her neck, he held his breath.
She jolted awake, backhanding his arm. Her other hand hit her chest. Water splashed over the sides of the tub. A long moment passed before her eyes focused on him. “Geez, Cole,” she gasped. “You scared the hell out of me!”
Relief washed over him in waves, knocking him onto his butt. He chuckled, the laughter rolling out of him in such a way he couldn’t control.
Buy it links:
Wild Rose Press | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
Wild Rose Press: http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=195&products_id=6127
Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/breaking-all-barriers-cait-jarrod/1121218877?ean=2940150098602
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/breaking-all-barriers
Don’t miss Cait Jarrod’s other works:
Kidnapped Hearts – Band of Friend Series, Book 1
Mystic Hearts-Band of Friend Series, Book 2
Entangled Love
Girl Code anthology, releasing Spring 2015
About the Author:
From writing ‘every girl’s dream heroes’ to ‘strong, down-to-earth heroines,’ Cait Jarrod twists ‘cliff hanging plots’ and ‘clever, unpredictable sub-plots’. She loves diving into a good book as much as she loves writing one.
Mother of three gorgeous daughters, she’s married to her best friend, hangs out with the WWC—a great group of women, and loves a good glass of wine.
Cait’s debut novel, Kidnapped Hearts, won awards in the categories of Best Happily Ever After, Best Suspense, and Editor’s Choice. She also made the Amazon Best Sellers list.
Contact or follow Cait Jarrod:
Website | Email | Facebook Fan Page | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads | Google+ |Linkedin
Sign up for her newsletter here: http://caitjarrod.com/contact-cait-andor-signup-for-news-from-cait-newsletter/
Website: caitjarrod.com
Email: cait.jarrod@aol.com
Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cait-Jarrod-Author/500705936640529?ref=hl
Twitter: http://twitter.com/CaitJarrod
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/caitjarrod/boards/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6966274.Cait_Jarrod
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+CaitJarrod/posts/p/pub
Linkedin: http://lnkd.in/dV2sY2T
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Ramblings of a Lifelong Elvis Fan – Part 36 – Elvis the BadA$$
Today is Friday the 13th, so I thought it fitting to center the post around some of the danger Elvis encountered in his lifetime. What a lot of people might not know is that Elvis wasn’t just a pretty face, a sexy body, an incredible talent, a phenomenal singer/entertainer, etc, etc, he was also a bit of a tough guy. Just the fact that he went into the army and insisted on being treated like any other soldier, pulling KP, marching with a pack, sleeping in the snow, and so forth shows his toughness. But, he was also a Karate expert and had some altercations over the years that demonstrated his badass-ness.
SIDE NOTE:
Here is an awesome interview right after Elvis returned to Graceland from the Army. The interview took place in Vernon’s office at Graceland. Isn’t he just so adorable and sexy, yet down to Earth?
A few of the many incidents over the years…
At a concert in Vegas, Elvis was rushed on stage by a group of men who had been drinking all day and listening to their wives and girlfriends go on and on about how beautiful Elvis was. Elvis managed to get in a Karate kick before the men were taken into custody.
George Klein, one of Elvis’ best friends, tells a story of a threat to Elvis while in Vegas that was taken seriously enough that the FBI recommended Elvis cancel his show. Elvis refused to run and hide, but he did ask a few of his guys to be in the audience, armed with guns. At one quiet moment in the show, a man from the balcony yelled out, “Hey, Elvis!.” Elvis dropped into a Karate stance and yelled back, “What?” The guy said, “Sing Hound Dog.” Elvis immediately launched into Hound Dog and later told George it was ‘the best Hound Dog he’d ever done.’
One night in October, 1956, Elvis was at a gas station in Memphis and the station attendant became angry because girls were hanging around Elvis’ car. He became aggressive with Elvis and cuffed him on the back of the head. A fight broke out, and another guy, who was 6’4, jumped in. Elvis took them both on and held his own until police arrived. When the officers asked Elvis for his name, he joked, “Well, maybe you’d better put down Carl Perkins.” 🙂
All three were brought into Court, Elvis was acquitted but the other two were charged with assault and battery and fired. Look at that overgrown bully in the center.
Here are some interesting newspaper articles from the time.
What would be his final incident occurred in June, 1977, just two months before his death, in Madison, Wisconsin. Elvis was riding in his limo and noticed two guys at a gas station (what was his deal with gas stations? :)) attacking a young guy. Tom McCarthy, a Madison detective was in the limo with Elvis and recalls Elvis saying, “Look at those two punks. I don’t go for this two on one deal.” Before anyone knew what was happening, Elvis had bailed from the limo and confronted the attackers, ready to fight. The guys were so shocked and overwhelmed that Elvis was standing in front of them, that they immediately backed off their victim, and ended up shaking hands and apologizing.
How many of today’s celebrities would jump into a brawl to try to protect some stranger? Even though none are as legendary and famous as Elvis, I can’t see them putting themselves in harm’s way like that for their fellow man, can you?
Don’t forget about the giveaway. One commenter on this previous blog post will win:
Click here for giveaway details
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EOLS Charity
Elvis was known for his giving heart and charitable work during his lifetime. Lisa Marie and Elvis Presley Enterprises have continued that tradition with their involvement in various charities. In 1984, The Elvis Charitable Foundation was formed. The EPCF created a scholarship fund for students majoring in the arts. The charity also contributes to one of Elvis’ favorite charities, Goodwill Homes, a Memphis facility that provides counseling and services for abused children and their families. The EPCF also assists numerous other charities, especially focusing on arts, education and children’s programs.
Learn more here, including how to donate:
http://www.graceland.com/epcf/
On Elvis’ birthday this year, I released a Vintage Romance short story set in 1957, and of course, my heroine is an Elvis fan. 🙂 As a tribute to Elvis’ generosity, and in order to assist with this worthy cause, 10% of my proceeds for End of Lonely Street will go to the EPCF.
All Toby Lawson wants is to go to college to become a teacher and to be free of her alcoholic mother and some painful memories. But when her mother nearly burns the house down, Toby must put her dreams on hold and return home to care for her. The only time she isn’t lonely and miserable is when she’s listening to her heartthrob, Elvis Presley. His music takes her away and helps her escape from everything wrong in her life.
Noah Rivers has always loved Toby, but no matter what he says, she can‘t get past the fact that her drunken mother once kissed him. He soon realizes the true problem lies in Toby’s belief she’s not good enough for him and in her fear she will be just like her mother.
What will it take to prove to her that she deserves to be happy, and that he would give anything to be the man to make her dreams come true?
***ONLY $1.99***
Filed under Elvis Presley, Entertainment
Where Were You in 1924?
The weekly Martini Club 4 post is up…fun, quick trivia and a chance to win a signed, print book of all four MC4 stories in one!
If you’re young like me, you weren’t yet born in 1924. 😉 However, many interesting things took place that year. When we decided to set our MC4 stories in 1924, I began researching events, styles, terminology, etc, although I didn’t end up using all of them. I’ve shared some tidbits I discovered below. See if you can guess which of these made it into my Vintage Romance Novella, Ruined:
*** One commenter will receive a print copy of Martini Club 4 – The 1920’s, containing all four novellas, signed by all four authors (only U.S. residents eligible) Winner will be drawn a week from Monday, March 16th.
1) In Chicago, two wealthy young college students, Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb, kidnapped and murdered 14 year old Bobby Franks, simply because they thought they were clever and wanted to get away with the perfect crime. They made some mistakes, and were imprisoned…
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Author Alicia Dean 