February 21, 2015 · 8:52 am

Reap & Repent by Lisa Medley

I’m pleased to share a paranormal romance by Lisa Medley…I love the cover and I LOVE that it’s about Reapers. Check it out:

Reap & Repent

Urban Fantasy Romance: Reapers and Demons and Angels and Sex.

Series: The Reaper Series, Book 1

Don’t fear the reaper. Lust after him. REAP & REPENT Pre-Order 99¢ until March 3! http://amzn.to/1AvrNfb

Blurb

They see death. Can they share a life?

Ruth Scott can read the energy of every person she meets. Then she meets Deacon Walker. She can see his ice-blue eyes, his black hair, and his gorgeous face. But this beautiful stranger has no aura.

Deacon is just as unsettled by Ruth—and, having spent more than two hundred years ushering souls to Purgatory, Deacon is seldom shocked by anything. As he helps Ruth to understand her true nature, she awakens desires that he decided long ago a Reaper can’t afford.

A demon invasion forces Deacon to confront the darkness in his own past even as he fights to save the human souls he’s charged to protect. When he’s taken captive, his first concern is for Ruth. But Ruth just might be able to save herself—and the Reaper she can’t live without—if she can learn to wield her newfound powers.

Excerpt:

PROLOGUE

What does a guy have to do around here to get some service? Deacon Walker marveled as he glared at the undulating queue of grotesque reapers in front of him.

For all that’s holy, move the hell along already.

It had been a long week, and it wasn’t over yet. He needed to make at least one more pass through the hospital circuit before he could call it a day. He could already feel the tug of a freshly departed soul. Again. People were dropping like flies lately.

He massaged his brow, trying to soothe his exhausted patience as the line inched forward at a snail’s pace.

He was worn thin. Over the past few weeks, three demon soul poachers had popped up in his fair city of Meridian like poisonous mushrooms after a hard rain.

While it wasn’t unheard of for one to slip out from Hell every now and then, three was a nightmare.

When it got topside, a demon’s M.O. was to steal a human body, poach a few souls from the dead and dying, and then make its merry way back to Hell, taking its host’s soul along for the ride. The only way to save the souls a poacher was carrying was to behead the host with a scythe. Not a pretty thing to do, but the poor suckers were too far gone by then to survive anyway. No human could withstand the pressures of being ridden by a demon. And it was worth it to save a handful of souls, not to mention inconveniencing the demon.

Deacon refused to lose any souls from his territory. At all. So far the score was Deacon, 3. Demons, 0.

As a reaper, carrying souls to Purgatory for judgment was his job and he wasn’t about to cede his territory to poachers who used up their hosts like they were disposable Tupperware. So now, in addition to his normal day job, he also had to keep an eye out for more demon invaders.

While demons burned through most human hosts in a matter of days, some in a matter of hours, they had discovered long ago that under the right circumstances they could ride a reaper. Of course, they couldn’t just worm their way in like they did with humans—they had to be invited. But once a deal was struck? They were in.

And reapers? Yeah, they could hang on for decades inside a reaper. Deacon knew that fact firsthand. His stomach twisted at the thought, but he shook it off, looking ahead with a heavy sigh.

Seriously, this line? Still. Not. Moving?

God, he needed a freakin’ vacation. Extended. He dragged a hand through his hair in frustration as his mind flipped through postcard-esque locations of reapings past. He snarled at the thought of New Orleans in summer. He would definitely want to go someplace cool—cool as in frigid, not hip. He was sick of the heat, and it was only the beginning of summer in the semitropical Midwest.

Come to think of it, he was sick of a lot of things.

This place was high on the list. It was as hot as…well, Hell actually. Or at least what he imagined Hell to be, although he’d never actually been there. Thank God. Steam rose from random cracks in the stone floor of the underground station, veiling the place in a humid sulfur stench.

He pushed forward, finally making his way to the front to deposit his cargo of souls. He didn’t bother chatting. In. Out. Move on. It was a motto that served him well.

Mission completed, he hustled through the crowd, forgoing the bar-side frivolity of some of the more socially inclined reapers and their small talk about their glory days in the field or—even better—the missteps of the newest reapers. Newbies often tested their limits to humorous if not disastrous effect at least once in their early careers. That was exactly why new reapers had mentors or at least worked in teams. From all the laughter, he could tell that the stories were good ones. It didn’t tempt him.

He slapped his palm against the black granite monolith and flashed out of Purgatory to what he prayed was his last stop of the day.

Author Bio:

Lisa has always enjoyed reading about monsters in love and now she writes about them, because monsters need love too.
She adores beasties of all sorts, fictional as well as real, and has a farm full of them in her Southwest Missouri home, including: one child, one husband, two dogs, two cats, a dozen hens, thousands of Italian bees, and a guinea pig.

She may or may not keep a complete zombie apocalypse bug-out bag in her trunk at all times, including a machete. Just. In. Case.

4 Comments

Filed under Entertainment, For Writers

Tagged as Angels, Demons, reapers, Sex., Urban Fantasy Romance

February 20, 2015 · 8:33 am

Ramblings of a Lifelong Elvis Fan – Part 34 – Just Pretend, Elvis no Velvet

At one time, I had an ‘Elvis box’ filled with various treasures I’d collected over the years, including James Burton’s autograph (Elvis’ guitar player, for those who don’t know. My sisters and I saw him in the aisles before an Elvis concert, and he was kind enough to sign), leaves off a bush from my first trip to Graceland, concert ticket stubs, and newspapers from the time of his death. Somewhere, in one of my moves to a new location, the box disappeared. 😦 However, I still have many, many Elvis items, memorabilia, etc. I ran across some things this week that I thought I’d share.

The summer following his death, my sister’s friend, Paula Starr and family were taking a trip to Memphis and Nashville. My sister couldn’t go, I can’t recall why, so Paula invited me. At the time, they were not offering tours inside the home, and, there was no ‘Elvis Presley Enterprise’ with the buses and shops, etc. It was just his home, and we were met at the gate by Vester, Elvis’ uncle. We paid our money and were admitted to the grounds. This is Paula and I in front of the house. I was almost 17. (I’m on the right, in the orange Elvis shirt. I’m not smiling, I think I was very sad the entire time)

After his death, there were tons and tons of publications, specials, etc. The media was flooded with Elvis news and interviews, etc. I ran across this magazine from 1977. I don’t know if you can see, but it was only $2 and it is filled with fantastic pictures and articles. (I found a few others as well).

And the copyright:

An artist friend of mine, Steve Cass, presented this charcoal drawing to me in around 2005, I believe. He called it ‘Elvis, No Velvet’ because so many Elvis paintings were done on velvet, and he wanted to highlight the fact that he didn’t do his on velvet. This is a drawing of the original painting, which he sold. Sadly, Steve passed away a few years later. (As you can see, it was signed to me, my ‘real’ name is Alice. I will treasure it forever)

This is a pic I took at a 1976 Oklahoma City concert, my second Elvis concert. The quality is horrible. My camera sucked, and I was not close to the stage, but if you’re an Elvis fan, I’m sure you can tell it’s him. Even in this grainy, out of focus, small photo, that walk is unmistakable.

I have mentioned before that I wrote my first ever story at age 11, and it was a romance, about a hero who looked like Elvis. It was titled ‘Just Pretend’ (after the Elvis song) and I named my hero Lonnie Beale after Elvis’ character in one of my favorite movies, Tickle Me. Side note, I named my heroine’s mother Ruth as a tribute to my sister and lifelong Elvis buddy, Ruth, who was also the first to read my masterpiece 🙂 Below are a few shots from my hand-written story. I’m not sure if you can read it, it’s in faded pencil and hard to read ink, but actually, my handwriting was better then than it is now. 🙂 For the first time ever, an exclusive peek at Just Pretend by Alicia Dean…

I don’t know if you can read this, but in the excerpt above, my heroine Trish’s younger sister has been getting to know Lonne, or Dr Beale, and has discovered his favorite singer is Elvis, etc, etc

Apparently, in the scene above, I was revising and decided that section must go. I guess I decided that it wasn’t necessary to be specific about which song she was listening to, nor was it necessary to share the lyrics. In my rewrite, I just have Trish listening to Elvis records, in general. 🙂 (How nice would it have been to have a computer back then, or heck, I’d have been happy with a typewriter :))

Now, for your viewing and listening pleasure, here is Elvis singing Just Pretend and being precious to a fan in the audience.

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***

Click Here for Kindle

Click Here for Nook

8 Comments

Filed under Elvis Presley, Entertainment

Tagged as Alicia Dean, Amazon, Beale Street, Elvis fan, Elvis no Velvet, Elvis Presley, Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation, End of Lonely Street, EPCF, Graceland, Kindle, Memphis, Ramblings of a Lifelong Elvis Fan – Part 34 – Just Pretend, Ramblings Reblog, Rock and Roll, Sirius XM Elvis Radio, Vintage Historical Romance, Wild Rose Press

February 15, 2015 · 10:29 am

Who wants to play ‘Guess the Martini’ and win prizes????

And the winners are…

First prize: Leah St. James! She guessed each of the martinis correctly: Krysta is drinking an Appletini, Amanda a Blue Hypnotiq, Kathy a Raspberry Flirtini, and me a Lemon Drop…congrats, Leah!

The first three who attempted to guess will receive their choice of any of the MC4 stories. They are: Calisa Rhose, Lynn Crain, and MJ Schiller. Congrats to all!

I’m excited to share some fun stuff about a new series coming soon. BUT, before we get to that, let’s play a game!

Check out the above photo and see if you can guess what kind of Martini each of us are holding.

The first three commenters to attempt to guess will win their choice of any of the four stories, on Kindle or PDF. (If you’ve already pre-ordered the stories, you can choose any of my books – Find them here: Alicia Dean Books)

The first person to guess all four martinis correctly will win:

An ebook copy of all four stories
A $10 Amazon Gift Card
This lovely exclusive Martini Club 4 Martini glass. (Only those in the United States are eligible for the Martini glass)

If no one gets all four correct, I will draw a name from all the commenters and that person will win. Doesn’t that sound like a blast???

The winner will be drawn and announced here on the blog next Sunday, February 22nd.

(Hint, in case the color doesn’t come through that well in the pic, we each are drinking a martini that matches the color of our covers, although my martini is more yellow, and my cover is more gold 🙂 – For a little extra help, click on this link: http://boulevardsteakhouse.com/ – Choose ‘Martini Lounge’ and then ‘Cocktail List’ and you will see a list of hand-crafted martinis. All of the ones we’re drinking are listed there :))

Now, my friends and I would like to share a little about our Martini Club 4 stories and answer some questions:

*** The four stories are all stand alone, but related and can be purchased separately for 99¢ each through the end of February (available for pre-order now, releasing February 26). Regular price beginning in March will be $2.99 each. Find all four stories here:

Amazon Page for Martini Club 4

Tidbit from Amanda McCabe…

I had a kind of strange inspiration for my heroine—Nancy Drew! These were my favorite books when I was a kid, I loved how brave and bold she was. Jessica is a lot like her.

What do you like most about your MC4 story, Rebellious?

The clothes!!! I spent hours looking at old photos of 1920s fashions, and they are gorgeous. Beads and feathers, fabulous hats, t-strap shoes—all perfect for our heroines to kick some ass in, of course

What was it like working on a series where you had to coordinate with other writers?

Fun, and challenging! I was scared of not doing justice to someone else’s character, of doing something that didn’t fit in with their own vision, but it was wonderful to see the stories dovetail into each other and create a whole new world

Was there any part of your story that was taken from real life?

Well, the cocktails, of course 🙂 I do love a good pomegranate martini!

Besides the main characters, who is your favorite character in the story and why?

I loved Frank Markov’s aunt, the Countess Romanova, and would love to explore her backstory a bit more. Imperial Russia is such a fascinating time period to me.

What do you love that most people would find odd?

I admit it—I kinda like those terrible, marshmallow-y circus peanuts (though I haven’t eaten one in years)

What do you dislike that most people would find odd?

Red shoes and purses. I don’t know why. I have nothing against the color red in general 🙂

Blurb: Can an aristocratic lady melt the cold heart of a Russian gangster?

Lady Jessica Hatton fled her high-society London debutante life for one of investigative journalism in New York—only to be relegated to the fashion pages. Searching for a juicy story leads her to Club 501, the city’s most glamorous speakeasy—and its handsome, mysterious owner, Frank Markov. But his past of war and revolution puts their hearts—and their lives—in danger…

Excerpt:

Back again, are you, miss?” the tall bartender said with a grin as Jessica pushed her way between the massed crowds at the bar. Club 501 had obviously lost none of its popularity in the two nights since she had been there. “We must be doing something right.”

Jessica laughed and gestured to the room around her, the scads of glittering dancers, the jostling packs clamoring for a drink. “I’d say you are. Surely no place in the city could be more popular.”

“That’s because of all the pretty girls that come here.”

“I know! You have two of my friends working here now.” She nodded toward Meggie, singing in the spotlight in a purple beaded gown, and Charlotte making her way between the tables in a smart new black silk dress, a tray of drinks balancing in her hands.

“We’ll have you working here next. I need an apprentice bartender,” he teased.

Jessica laughed. “Tempting, but I’m afraid I already have a job.” If you could call it that, with all those endless descriptions of flower arrangements and lace trim on gowns, and Mrs. Mortimer chasing her out of the archives. “So, what’s your name, bartender?”

“Ira,” he answered. “Pleased to meet you, miss.”

“Pleased to meet you.” She glanced at the hidden door behind the bar, barely visible now in the dark paneling and the faint lighting. Maybe her garden party days would be behind her soon.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Tidbit from Alicia Dean…

This was my first attempt to write a story in this time period, and I had to do a lot of research, which isn’t my strong suit. Although, I’ll confess, part of my research was done by watching the Tom Hardy movie, Lawless. While it was set in the thirties, I still felt it had the right ‘feel’ I needed to immerse myself in the twenties. Besides, it was an awesome movie, and Tom Hardy is pretty easy on the eyes, so maybe it was more for pleasure than research…

What do you like most about your MC4 story, Ruined?

I love that my heroine is a hooker. I’ve never written a heroine with that kind of occupation, and it was fun, challenging, and kind of freeing all at the same time.

What was it like working on a series where you had to coordinate with other writers?

A blast! Especially since it was with women that I love so dearly. It was a little tricky making sure the cross over scenes with other characters didn’t contradict with the other books, but hopefully, we managed.

Was there any part of your story that was taken from real life?

Yes, I’m a prostitue. HA! Not really. (Had you going, didn’t I?) I don’t really think any part of it was taken from real life, other than, as Amanda mentioned, the cocktails. 🙂

Besides the main characters, who is your favorite character in the story and why?

I really like Maud, although she didn’t have much ‘on screen’ time. She is the head housekeeper of the manor from which Eliza flees, and has been like a mother to Eliza since Eliza’s own ‘mum’ passed. Maud encourages Eliza to run in order to escape the advances of the Lord of the manor, even though Maud knows she’ll never see her again. I like that she sacrifices her own wishes for Eliza’s safety. (Like Kathy, I wouldn’t want to choose from the other girls in the story, because I couldn’t pick just one!)

What do you love that most people would find odd?

I love dark, cold, snowy, rainy weather.

What do you dislike that most people would find odd?

I really, really dislike Muppets. I don’t find them the least bit amusing, and I am baffled at their popularity. It was one thing when kids liked them because, well, they’re puppets. But adults??? And they have their own movies??? Sorry. I just don’t get the appeal.

Blurb:

She vowed she’d be no man’s doxy, but fate had other plans…

After the Earl of Goodwin attempts to force himself on her, housemaid Eliza Gilbert flees England for New York, hoping to build a better life. But the land of opportunity proves as harsh as the London docks, and she finds herself in a situation more dreadful than the one she escaped.
When Vince Taggart ’s childhood friend disappears, he heads to New York in search of her and meets Eliza, a woman with a less than honorable reputation. Inexplicably captivated, Vince can’t force himself to stay away, especially when he learns Eliza may be the key to finding his missing friend.

Excerpt: The ballroom was magnificent. Sparkling chandeliers hung from the ceiling like diamonds dripping from the sky. Grecian columns with golden draperies strung between them bordered the entire room. Paul Whiteman’s orchestra was performing on a platform stage set within a rectangular alcove at the western end of the room. Meggie would be joining them soon. What a fabulous opportunity for her. All her dreams were coming true.

Why her, and not me? Why can’t my dreams come true?

She nearly gasped in horror at the unbidden thought. Her cheeks warmed with shame. How could she be envious of Meggie? She deserved every happiness in the world. Just because Eliza had made poor decisions and ruined her life, it didn’t mean she couldn’t be happy for her friends. She blinked back tears. She was happy for her friends. Really, she was.

She clutched a champagne flute in her damp palms, praying she could get through the evening without being forced on a ‘date.’ Across the enormous dance floor, Oscar stood conversing with two men. Please don’t let either of them choose me…

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Tidbit from Kathy L Wheeler…

Harry Dempsey in Reckless started out as a undercover detective out to stop the rumrunners. I ran into several issues. 1) We already had a detective in one story (Runaway), 2) It didn’t make sense for Harry to be out for revenge against a gangster, if he was a copy. It would be his job. It made much more sense as a business owner who’s Pa refused to pay protection money for Harry to be out for revenge. After all, the gangster murdered his family.

What do you like most about your MC4 story, Reckless?

I love Meggie’s loyalty. She dives in head first to help out her friends. But such “reckless’ behavior is bound to get her into trouble.

What was it like working on a series where you had to coordinate with other writers?

I think it must depend on your relationship with others. Sort of like singing a duet in karaoke. If one person demands all the attention, it just doesn’t flow. In this particular group, we are good friends (big surprise, when you have martinis in the mix, hahahah) so we are able to be honest without fear of hurt feelings and such. We had at least three retreats! So that was fun. I love working with my MC4 buds!

Was there any part of your story that was taken from real life?

Hahahaha. Yessssss. Meggie is a singer, and I sing! ‘Nuf said.

Besides the main characters, who is your favorite character in the story and why?

I love my fellow runaway-ees, of course. But outside of them (because I would not dare choose one over the other), I think I was cracking myself up with Paul Whiteman. He was a big time band leader at the time. So most of the information regarding him in my story is true. I’m just not sure if I conveyed his personality accurately, but it is certainly how I envision him as behaving. He was a very busy man with a 35 piece orchestra and practically discovered George Gershwin (who, incidentally, also makes an appearance).

What do you love that most people would find odd?

The hustle and bustle of downtown city life. I could totally see myself living in Manhattan, downtown Seattle, San Diego, San Francisco, even Denver and Dallas.

What do you dislike that most people would find odd?

I don’t like people who are tooooooo nice. I find them suspicious. And I don’t like “telling” in books. And most of all, I hate it when someone comes along and decides to change Phantom of the Opera to “modernize” it! You know? Like not have the chandelier on the stage during the opening crescendo and rising to the ceiling. The absolute worst!

Blurb:

Lady Margaret turned Lady Bootlegger…

Singer Margaret (Meggie) Montley needs money…fast. Her friend is in a dire situation with nowhere to turn. While Meggie is on the brink of stardom, it’s not soon enough to save her friend.

Harry Dempsey is out to avenge the deaths of his father and brother at the hands of a ruthless gangster. But trouble spirals out of control when Meggie Montley shows up the night he meets his nemesis to settle the score. Saving the impetuous woman from a crime lord might be easier than saving her from her own reckless behavior.

Excerpt:

Fear stopped Meggie’s heart, the breath caught in her throat. Why did she always have to open her mouth at the wrong time?

“Put the gun away, Marco. This here’s Lady Margaret Montley.”

Meggie lifted her chin. “I sing with the Bernie-Edison Orchestra.”

Marco chuckled, the gun never wavering in his hand. “Who’s ta stop me from killing you, cap’n, and makin’ a bit of a profit off yer Lady Margaret Munt…Munt…whatever her name is? Why, I could sell her off and make double what I should’a took ta’night.”

Terrified, Meggie slipped a trembling hand in the pocket of her jacket and wrapped her fingers around the gun Harry slipped to her earlier.

“No one, I venture to say, cap’n. Now, drop yer piece over the side. Real nice an’ slow like.” Harry hesitated and Marco raised the gun.

Fingers shaking uncontrollably, Meggie raised her gun in his direction. “No.” Her voice cracked. She forced an impossible calm. “No,” she said again.

“I said, drop it, cap’n.”

“I’ll shoot. I-I will.” But she feared her trembling endangered Harry’s life. The man whose head rested in her lap stirred. His hand slipped over hers. His finger pressed against hers and squeezed. The gun went off, jolting her whole arm, ringing her ears. She screamed dropping the hot metal and slumped back.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Tidbit from Krysta Scott:

I don’t normally write historical fiction. Setting Runaway in the 1920’s was a bit of a challenge. Discovering how people lived and worked in 1924 was eye opening. Baking scones, which is not easy now, was much more difficult then. The plastic bags that the police use to store evidence today were not in use back then. Nor was it as difficult to immigrate from Europe to the United States. Kind of makes me wonder how people in the future will view our way of living.

What do you like most about your MC4 story?

I really like Lady Charlotte Leighton and her desire to be something more than what society expects of her. In the beginning she looks like a coward but as the story unfolds her courageous nature emerges. Although her job in New York City isn’t what she’d hoped for, she continues to pursue her chosen career. Although she encounters many obstacles on the way, she never loses sight of her desire to be a baker.

What was it like working on a series where you had to coordinate with other writers?

It was a blast working with Alicia Dean, Amanda McCabe and Kathy L Wheeler. Their enthusiasm for this project helped propel me, a novice historical author, forward. In a story of four friends who travel from England to the US, there is bound to be some overlap between the stories. Those scenes were certainly the most challenging remembering what each character was doing and where they were when the overlap events were taking place. Mostly, it was fun to see how each of these Englishwomen tackled the problem of creating a new life for themselves in New York. For some of the girls it is a lark. For others, the adventure takes a darker turn.

Was there any part of your story that was taken from real life?

Yes. In Runaway, Charlotte wants to be a baker just like my eldest daughter. Both of them are passionate about preparing food. That makes a different for the diner. My eldest and I can make something from the same recipe. Hers always turns out better. She just smiles and shrugs like there’s no reason either item should taste differently. But I assure you they do. I tell everyone you can taste the love. At that, she just rolls her eyes.

Besides the main characters, who is your favorite character in the story and why?

I am quite partial to Slick. He’s always up to no good but I can understand his point of view. Everyone else is luckier than he is. If he had that kind of luck, he’d be better off too. So he wheels and deals trying to make it look like he is more fortunate than he is. Of course, no one is fooled. Kind of feel sorry for the guy.

What do you love that most people would find odd?

I’m crazy about science fiction. When I tell people I’ve been to Star Trek conventions, they look at me a little oddly. They’d never place me as a science fiction geek. I also think Die Hard is the best Christmas movie. Maybe that’s a little strange.

What do you dislike that most people would find odd?

I dislike nuts in brownies and cookies. Crunchy and soft things do not go together.

Blurb:

Can she prove her innocence before more than her dreams are destroyed?

After escaping an arranged marriage, Charli Daniels lands on a new shore. But things go from bad to worse when her fiancé follows her to New York. Now, instead of realizing her dream of opening her own bakery, she finds herself in a fight for her freedom.

Haunted by a string of failures, Detective Felix Noble is determined to solve his latest case. But his effort to find a murderer is jeopardized by a forbidden attraction to his number one suspect.

When a new threat surfaces, Felix wonders if he is once again on the wrong track. Can Charli convince him of her innocence before more than her dreams are destroyed?

Excerpt:

His eyes narrowed to slits. Funny. She’d never seen him as menacing before last night. Now, no matter what he did, she quivered. “And what did you say?”

“Nothing. I told him I didn’t know anything.” Panic surged at his proximity.

“How’d they find out who the stiff was so fast?”

“I-I don’t know.” She focused on her hands. That was more comfortable than looking into the eyes of a cold-blooded killer.

“They suspect anything?”

Words flew from her mouth in a torrent. “He had an announcement of my engagement. Somehow he found me. What am I going to do?”

“Huh. Dig out those charms you have hiding. There’s plenty a dame like you can use to your advantage.”

The burn of a blush crept across Charlotte’s cheeks. Thank goodness the speakeasy was dimly lit so no one would see her shame.

“Whatever you do.” Slick leaned in closer. “Keep your mouth shut.” He glared down at her, then stumbled away.

Charlotte’s stomach lurched. She’d gotten herself into a pickle with no clear way out. Her legs wobbled. She forced deep breaths. In, out. In, out. Once steadier on her feet, she picked up her tray and darted to the bar. Ira was back, wiping it down. He didn’t scold her. He didn’t say anything at all. His silence unnerved her. Her life had turned upside down. Things would never be normal again.

12 Comments

Filed under Entertainment, For Writers

Tagged as 1920s, Broadway, Downton Abbey, England, Gangsters, historical, Lawless, Manor, murder, New York City, roaring twenties, Romance, speakeasy, suspense, Tom Hardy movie

February 13, 2015 · 10:25 am

Ramblings of a Lifelong Fan – Part 33 – The Movies 9-11 – Follow that Dream, Kid Gallahad, Girls, Girls, Girls

I have seen all of Elvis’ movies over the years, multiple times, but I am watching them again (I have them all on DVD) and blog about them from time to time. I am up to Elvis’ 9^th 10^th and 11^th movies. (All from 1962)

Follow that Dream

This movie was filmed in July, 1961, which was the month and year I was born, just a little bonus fact. 🙂

About: Elvis plays Toby Kwimper, the son of a backwoods man who takes in homeless children, one of them being Holly, a young woman who becomes Elvis’ love interest. The family runs out of gas by a highway that is as yet unopened and they decide to homestead on the property. A government official is determined to get them off the property, and he and a social services woman whose advances are scorned by Toby, wreak havoc for the family, but in the end, honesty and goodness prevail. The movie culminates in a courtroom scene where the social service woman is trying to paint the Kwimers as depraved unfit people and trying to take away the twin boys and the little girl they’re raising. There is a cute little twist that I always loved. The woman cites a word association test she earlier gave to Toby, but she warps his answers to make him appear to be a despicable human being. Toby (Elvis) is representing himself and he makes a whispered suggestion to the judge. The judge announces that the woman should give Elvis’ father a word association test on the spot and analyze his answers. She does, and as the Judge reads the answers aloud, she associates something vile with each one. For example, the word was ‘moon’ and the response was ‘shine’ and she states that it proves he’s an alcoholic. The judge says, “What about Shine on Harvest Moon?” – As it turns out, the judge was reading his own answers, just to prove that she was purposely twisting anything the Kwimpers said. (Okay, that was lengthy, but since I was a child, I just really love that scene :))

Side notes: During filming, Elvis met Tom Petty, who was only 11 years old at the time. Petty’s uncle was involved in the production of the movie. Shortly afterwards, Petty swapped his slingshot for a friend’s collection of Elvis records.

The movie was based on the 1959 novel, Pioneer, Go Home, by Richard P. Powell. At first, the author was unhappy about Elvis in the role, but once he saw his performance, he was pleased.

My favorite song from the movie: I’m Not the Marrying Kind or Angel

Favorite scenes:

There were soooo many. This movie is adorable, funny, sweet, charming, exciting, etc, etc. The Kwimpers are so naïve and good, that they don’t realize when a group of gangsters move in next door that they’re really bad guys. Many of my favorite scenes are just the funny moments from the movie, such as when the gangsters try to blow up the Kwimpers’ house, because Toby has become Sheriff and he imposes laws on them. They leave a homemade bomb beneath the house, and Elvis and Holly find it and, while they don’t know what it is, they think the ‘fellas’ must have left it accidentally, so they return it, leaving it outside their door and of course, it blows up the gangsters’ house. I also love the scene at the end, after the courtroom scene, when Holly has decided to make her move on Toby. She goes outside to where he’s lying on the porch bench, singing Angel. She sits next to him and asks him to show her what that social service woman did to make him kiss her. Elvis tells her, step by step, and it’s very sweet, very romantic. Elvis really had a knack for those romantic scenes and generating chemistry with his female leads. But, my favorite part was when he told Holly that ‘she run her fingers along his forehead’ and Holly said, “Like this,” and stroked his forehead. Elvis said, “Well, not so much like you was ironing a shirt, it was a little softer.” Haha, adorable! Below is a clip of the scene. Enjoy!

Kid Gallahad

I’ll never forget, as a kid, watching this movie and seeing Elvis getting hit, over and over, and his beautiful face covered in blood. It was pretty traumatic.

When I was married, my husband was a huge Charles Bronson fan. I told him that Bronson once played second fiddle to Elvis in a movie. Obviously, he knew what a super star Elvis was, but as far as movies, he couldn’t imagine Bronson having lesser billing in a movie. So, of course, I had to prove it.

About: Elvis plays Walter Gulick, who has just gotten out of the army. He hitches a ride to Cream Valley, where he was born, and winds up at an inn and boxing camp run by Willy, played by Gig Young. Elvis is looking for a job and ends up sparring with one of Willy’s boxers. Elvis is taking a beating, then suddenly knocks the guy out with one punch. Elvis becomes a boxer and romances Willy’s sister, Rose, who comes to the inn to check on Willy because she finds out he’s in trouble. As it turns out, he’s mixed up with the mob. Of course, in the end, Elvis helps save the day and everyone lives Happily Ever After. (Bronson plays a trainer and cut man)

Side notes: The film is a remake of the 1937 movie starring Edward G. Robinson, Bette Davis and Humphrey Bogart. It was directed by Michael Curitz, the same guy who directed King Creole.

Junior welterweight champ Mushy Callahand, who appeared in the movie, trained Elvis to box.

A few of Elvis’ close friends, and part of the ‘Memphis Mafia’ also had small roles in the movie: Red West as an opponent and Sonny West and Joe Esposito had bit parts.

My favorite song from the movie: I Got Lucky or Home is Where the Heart Is

Favorite scenes:

I always love Elvis fight scenes, and this movie had plenty. (Although, since he was so often hit in the face, these scenes aren’t quite as easy to watch) One of my favorites was when he was wearing a white undershirt and the mobsters had just crushed Charles Bronson’s hands, and Elvis came downstairs and beat the hell out of them. I also love the scene where Willy (Gig Young) is telling Elvis to stay away from his sister, and Elvis tells him off. He says he’s marrying Rose, not because she’s Willy’s sister, but in spite of it. I love Elvis’ intensity in movies when he’s passionate about something.

Girls, Girls, Girls

About: Elvis plays Ross Carpenter, a fisherman whose dream is to own his own boat. But, he grew up an orphan and is struggling to raise the money. He meets Laurel, played by Laurel Goodwin, and falls in love, not knowing that she’s wealthy. She ends up buying a boat for him, but it makes him angry because he doesn’t want a hand out.

Side notes: This is the only of Elvis’ feature films that was nominated for a Golden Globe, which I find very strange. It wasn’t in my top favorites.

The movie was Laurel Goodwin’s screen debut.

Favorite song from the movie: Elvis’ big hit, Return to Sender, was featured in this movie, and it’s one of my favorites, along with Because of Love and the title song, Girls, Girls, Girls.

Favorite scenes: I can tell you what isn’t my favorite scene, or at least as far as Laurel. She and Elvis are having dinner and end up doing a dance to a song, The Walls Have Ears. She looks like a dork. J Just to prove it, I’ve shared the clip below. Some of my favorites are when Elvis is singing with two little Chinese girls. It’s adorable. Also, a scene where Elvis and Laurel are standing on the porch in a thunder storm. I love storms, so Elvis in a romantic scene during a storm is right up my alley. 🙂 I also love the scene after Elvis finds out Laurel bought the boat for him. He’s angry because he doesn’t want handouts. He tells her that, as an orphan, the only thing he ever had was handouts, so that he got to wondering if the food he ate was something no one else wanted. Again, love his anger/intensity.

Thank you for joining me. Have you seen any of these movies? What did you think?

EOLS Charity

Learn more here, including how to donate:

http://www.graceland.com/epcf/

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?

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Tagged as Alicia Dean, Amazon, Beale Street, Elvis fan, Elvis Presley, Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation, End of Lonely Street, EPCF, Follow that Dream, Follow that Dream Kid Gallahad, Girls, Girls Girls Girls, Graceland, Kid Gallahad, Kindle, Memphis, Rambling Movies 9 10 and 11, Rock and Roll, Sirius XM Elvis Radio, Vintage Historical Romance, Wild Rose Press

February 12, 2015 · 7:44 am

Where Everyone Knows Your Name

I’m so pleased to introduce another Wild Rose Press story, One More Second Chance by Jana Richards. I just love TWRP, their authors, their covers, and their fabulous stories!

Where did you get the idea for your new novel?

Actually, it wasn’t my idea. The Wild Rose Press came up with the concept of a multi-author, multi-romance-genre series that takes place in a small coastal town in Maine called Lobster Cove. I had a work-in-progress that felt perfect for this series, and ONE MORE SECOND CHANCE was born.

Why did you choose this genre?

Because Lobster, Cove, Maine is a small town and I love writing, and reading, small town romances, I felt this was a good fit for me. Also, the idea of being part of a “team” was also appealing. Being a writer is a solitary occupation, so it’s always fun to participate in a group project.

Was there anything unusual, any anecdote about this book you’d like to share?

I had a bit of an issue coming up with a title for this book. My publisher already had a book in their catalogue with the same title I originally used. So I came up with something else. And again, my editor emailed to say that title had already been used. Back to the drawing board once more! I came up with a couple of titles, and my editor and I agreed that ONE MORE SECOND CHANCE was the winner. It seems to fit because this is a second chance at love story, for Julia at least, and Alex gives her more than one chance to fall in love again.

What was the most difficult thing about writing this book?

The most difficult and unusual thing about writing this book was the co-ordination required between all the writers and the senior editor of the series. We couldn’t just create characters or landmarks in the town willy-nilly. If there was a statue in the park in one book, it couldn’t just suddenly disappear or change in the next book. I couldn’t just create my own restaurant for my hero and heroine to hang out in; it had to be one already in existence, with the same staff and the same décor. Without this kind of continuity, we wouldn’t have a series. But it necessitated a lot emailing back and forth, a really terrific map of the town, and a spreadsheet with a list of manuscripts and their characters.

Are there any tricks or habits you use when creating a story?

I always do some advance planning before I begin writing. I fill out character sketches, and write a long, rambling synopsis-type story, outlining what I think the plot of the story is going to be. It gives me a place to start, and characters to start with. I wish I could say that all this pre-work is everything I need to write my novel and it never changes, but I always find that once I get into the actual writing of a story, things evolve. Sometimes I learn something new about a character that alters the direction of the plot. Sometimes the entire trajectory of the story transforms. In one of my recent WIPs, I discovered I had the wrong hero and heroine together! Back to the drawing board!

Do you have another occupation, other than writer? If so, what is it and how do you like it?

I work as a part-time admin assistant for a provincial veterinary medical association and I like it very much. My main function is the accounting for the association. But because we’re a small staff, just five of us, and my executive director trusts me, I get to do a lot of other things. I’ve researched and written articles for our newsletter. Every year when we give out awards at our annual general meeting, I get to interview the award winners and tell their stories. I even get to shop for gifts for speakers for our annual conference, which is always fun! I like the variety, the ability to choose my own hours, and the fact that I get to hang out with people I like. As I said before, writing is solitary. Sometimes I need to get out of the writing cave!

What’s the main thing that you could get rid of in your life that would give you more writing time?

Sleep! I’m kidding, sort of. The thing that would be give me the most writing time would probably be if I got rid of my television. But I have to admit I’m a little addicted to TV, so the best I can do is to try to limit the time I spend in front of the tube, and use that time for writing instead.

What do you want readers to come away with after they read ONE MORE SECOND CHANCE?

First and foremost, I would like readers to come away from reading ONE MORE SECOND CHANCE feeling they’ve been entertained. I hope the novel evokes the emotions the characters feel; love, hope, fear, belonging. And I also hope readers who’ve never lived in a small town come to an appreciation for small-town life.

If you could change something about one of your books that’s already released, what would it be?

When I’ve looked back at some of my already published books, I always find some phrases that I wish I’d changed. Occasionally some dialogue makes me cringe. But I don’t think there’s anything really major I’d change about any of my books. I’m proud of all of them.

What genre have you never written that you’d like to write?

I’ve written historical novels set during World War Two, but I’ve never written a historical set in an earlier period. I love books set in Victorian or Regency England or Scotland, so someday I’d like to try my hand at one of those.

Now I’d like to ask readers a question…

Have you ever lived in a small town? Do you like small town romances? Why?

Blurb:

Dr. Alex Campbell has an agenda—finish his contract to provide medical services in Maine, pay off his medical school debt, and head back to his real life in San Diego. But when he meets Julia, all his carefully laid plans are put in jeopardy.

Julia Stewart, Lobster Cove’s high school principal, swears she’ll never let another man drag her away from the home she loves. Her aging parents need her, and the Cove is where she wants to raise her daughter. When her mother’s illness brings her and the big city doctor closer together, panic sets in. Her marriage taught her men don’t stay.

Can she put aside the heartaches of the past and trust Alex enough to accept the love he’s offering? Or will her fear of abandonment mean she’ll send him away forever?

Excerpt:

“What did the x-ray find?” she asked.

“A spiral fracture of the right arm.” He paused for a moment and took a deep breath as if trying to control his emotions. “I’ve seen this kind of injury before. A fracture like this can be the result of a fall, but it can also be an indication of child abuse. An arm as small as Ava’s will break like a twig if it’s twisted hard enough. I’m obligated to contact the authorities if I suspect abuse.”

Julia stared at him in mute shock, her brain struggling to process his words, as if trying to translate some unintelligible language. The words child abuse rang in her ears. Finally she found her voice.

“You think someone deliberately hurt her?”

“Her injuries are consistent with abuse.”

“I don’t give a damn what they’re consistent with. Ava has not been mistreated. My mother said she fell down the stairs, and if that’s what she said, then that’s what happened.”

“I believe there’s more to the story than a simple fall.”

“If it comes down to believing you or believing my mother, I’m going with my mother.”

“Perhaps you don’t know your mother as well as you think you do.”

Julia sucked in a breath and stared into Dr. Campbell’s dark, accusing eyes. The idea that her mother would hurt Ava was ridiculous. She adored Ava, would do anything for her…

She blinked and looked away, remembering an incident the other day. She’d heard her yelling at Ava about the milk she’d spilled on the kitchen floor, making such a huge deal of it that Ava had cried. It had struck her as strange, since she couldn’t remember her mother yelling at anyone, ever. She wasn’t as patient as she used to be. And how did she explain her strange phone call telling her Ava had been hurt? Of course she’d been upset, but her mother had been nearly incoherent with distress. Was something going on she wasn’t aware of? She was seventy-one now. Maybe looking after a rambunctious five-year-old was too much for her.

No. She shook her head to reject the disloyal thought. Dr. Campbell was the one who was wrong.

“I know my mother. She didn’t do this. It was an accident.”

“We’ll soon find out. Sharon is questioning Ava now.”

Julia stared at the door. “She’ll be scared, all by herself.”

“Sharon’s very good at what she does. She has a way of making kids feel comfortable.”

Julia turned on him, the anger and despair she’d been holding inside spilling out. “And you? Do you enjoy upsetting five-year-olds and turning families’ lives upside down? Does it make you feel powerful to sic the authorities on us?”

“Look, Mrs. Stewart, I take no pleasure in bringing in the authorities. But I’ve seen child abuse, up close and personal, and I can tell you it’s damn ugly. The things parents and caregivers are capable of doing to defenseless children…”

He stopped abruptly, his chest heaving. Closing his eyes, he averted his face and took a deep breath. When he turned back to her, his steely control was back in place. “So yeah, if I have even the smallest suspicion that a child has been abused, I’m going to ask questions. And I’m not going to apologize for it.”

Buy links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/More-Second-Chance-Lobster-Cove-ebook/dp/B00S46KSX6/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1421199187&sr=1-4&keywords=jana+richards

The Wild Rose Press: http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=195&products_id=6065

Kobo:

http://store.kobobooks.com/en-CA/ebook/one-more-second-chance

Chapters/Indigo:

http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/one-more-second-chance/9781628307061-item.html?ikwid=Jana+Richards&ikwsec=Books&ikwidx=0

ibooks:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/one-more-second-chance/id959306323?mt=11

Bio:

When Jana Richards read her first romance novel, she immediately knew two things: she had to commit the stories running through her head to paper, and they had to end with a happily ever after. She also knew she’d found what she was meant to do. Since then she’s never met a romance genre she didn’t like. She writes contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and historical romance set in World War Two, in lengths ranging from short story to full length novel. Just for fun, she throws in generous helpings of humor, and the occasional dash of the paranormal. Her paranormal romantic suspense “Seeing Things” was a 2008 EPPIE finalist.

In her life away from writing, Jana is an accountant/admin assistant, a mother to two grown daughters, and a wife to her husband Warren. She enjoys golf, yoga, movies, concerts, travel and reading, not necessarily in that order. She and her husband live in Winnipeg, Canada with their Pug/Terrier cross Lou and several unnamed goldfish. She loves to hear from readers and can be reached through her website at www.janarichards.com

Social Media Links:

Website: http://www.janarichards.com

Blog: http://janarichards.blogspot.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JanaRichardsAuthor

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

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/author/janarichards

Newsletter Signup: http://www.eepurl.com/m3UnT

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2892274Jana_Richards

Google+ Profile: https://plus.google.com/100820406211390323245

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Filed under Entertainment, For Writers

Tagged as Jana Richards, Lobster Cove series, One More Second Chance, second chance at love, small town romance, the wild rose press

February 11, 2015 · 10:03 am

Dances of the Heart – Andrea Downing

**** Winner of the FREE ecopy of Dances of the Heart is Teressa Mirault. Congratulations, Teressa!

I am pleased to welcome Andrea Downing and her latest, a Wild Rose Press romance. Looks like a great one! Take it away, Andrea…

Hi Alicia, thanks so much for having me here today and helping me share the release of my new book, Dances of the Heart.

Where did you get the idea for your story?

Strangely enough, the idea for Dances of the Heart came from the Texas Two-step; Texas Two-Step was its original title until I discovered there were numerous books with that title so opted to change it. It just made me think of writing a story about two couples, mother and daughter/father and son, which took place in Texas. Quite honestly, I have no idea how it evolved from that.

Why did you choose this genre (is it something you’ve written in before)?

I’ve never written a contemporary book before; all my work has been historical, and this effort was really rather frightening. I have no idea why I’m so much more comfortable in the 1800s, but I was once told I was born in the wrong century! Obviously, in some ways, contemporary’s easier—you don’t have to think that much about language and the way they lived and how they would be dressed and so on, although I did have to have a Texan check my dialog to make sure it sounded right.

What was the most difficult thing about this book in particular?

As I just mentioned, getting the language correct, making the Texas characters sound ‘Texan.’ I’m from the northeast and have lived most of my life in Britain so, for instance, I never say “I’m fixin’” to do anything!

What’s the main thing that you could get rid of in your life that would give you more writing time?

PROMOTION It is such a time-suck, it isn’t even funny any more. The book world is swamped now, and it’s difficult to know what to do, what works and so on, to sell books. I hate it. I would also like to get rid of waiting time in doctor’s offices. For some reason, doctors seem to think their time is more valuable than ours. To give you an example, I had a 3 pm appointment last week and was called to please come in for 1.30 pm because the doctor had a meeting in the afternoon. So, what happened? I still wasn’t seen until 3pm… I have a couple of medical issues at the moment and the amount of time I lose in doctor’s offices doesn’t bear thinking about, although it’s good reading time.

Would you rather have a bad review or no review?

If push comes to shove, I’d rather have a bad review than none at all although, having said that, I, myself, have opted out of reviewing a book I didn’t like rather than give it a bad review. For me, I’d like to know why people don’t like my work, what annoyed them—I want feedback from readers basically. If you don’t receive a review at all, you’re left wondering whether the reader just gave up or what the heck happened. But, for goodness sake, you want a sensible, intelligent review, good or bad.

If you could change something about one of your books that’s already released, what would it be?

Oh, I’d love to re-write Loveland and fill it out into a saga. There is a lot that happens ‘off stage’ in that book, particularly when Lady Alex and Jesse are separated and she is in England, I would love to fill out. And I would like to finish their story and tell a bit more of it.

What is your favorite quote?

It comes from the Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows by John Koenig, and readers can find more of his amazing made-up words online. Here’s my favorite: Sonder:

“Realize that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own – populated with their own ambitions, friends, routines, worries, and inherited craziness – an epic story that continues invisibly around like an anthill, sprawling deep underground, with elaborate passageways to thousands of other lives that you’ll never know existed, in which you might appear only once, as an extra sipping coffee in the background, as a blur of traffic passing on the highway, as a lighted window at dusk.” John Koenig

What is your most prized material possession? Why?

I’m really not attached to material possessions. I mean, I like having a computer to write and I like to look at photos in our old albums, but if you ask me what I’d grab in a blazing fire, I’m not sure. If pushed, I guess I’d have to say it’s a portrait I had done for my daughter’s 18^th birthday; it’s the two of us sitting by the piano, which is a big part of my daughter’s life. When I had it done, the young artist, Alastair Adams, was virtually unknown; he has since gone on to become President of The Royal Society of Portrait Painters and paint such notables as Tony Blair, whose portrait by Alastair now hangs in The National Portrait Gallery. I doubt I could afford his work now! But anyway, the painting captures the two of us and our relationship so well. I hope it remains in the family for generations.

So I’d like to know from readers here what their most valued possession is, and why; I think I’m going to ask to discount photo albums because so many people say that. And I’ll choose one person to receive a free digital copy of Dances of the Heart. Thanks so much for having me, Alicia. It’s been great to discuss these things with you.

It’s been a pleasure having you, Andrea. I enjoyed the interview…congratulations on the new release!

Blurb: Successful, workaholic author Carrie Bennett lives through her writing, but can’t succeed at writing a man into her life. Furthermore, her equally successful but cynical daughter, Paige, proves inconsolable after the death of her fiancé.

Hard-drinking rancher Ray Ryder can find humor in just about anything—except the loss of his oldest son. His younger son, Jake, recently returned from Iraq, now keeps a secret that could shatter his deceased brother’s good name.

On one sultry night in Texas, relationships blossom when the four meet, starting a series of events that move from the dancehalls of Hill Country to the beach parties of East Hampton, and from the penthouses of New York to the backstreets of a Mexican border town. But the hurts of the past are hard to leave behind, especially when old adversaries threaten the fragile ties that bind family to family…and lover to lover.

Excerpt: Ray pointed to his pickup, smirking slightly with the knowledge of what her reaction would probably be.

“You must be joking.” 

He could hardly hear the mumbled comment, but it was exactly what he’d been expecting. 

She glowered, a brow definitively arched in query. “What year is this thing?” 

He attempted to wipe the amusement away from his face with a hand that rubbed his stubble in a satisfying scrape. “Sorry, I left the Cadillac at home this time.” A raised brow questioned if she took him seriously. “It’s an ’89, and still runs as smooth as the day I got it.”

“Which was, what? Last year?”

Ray shook his head and proceeded to the passenger door. “You have the key, sweetheart,” he said, patiently standing and waiting.

“Listen!” Carrie put her hands out as if to stop any further conversation. “First off, I am not your sweetheart. And second, if by any chance you think you just may have gotten lucky tonight–”

“Whoa, whoa now.” Ray was truly mystified at the turn events were taking. “Not that I wouldn’t be honored and damn well pleased, but I sure as heck wasn’t thinkin’ along those lines…and truth be told, you know, I’m hardly up to it.” He considered this for a second, a fog clearing for a moment’s view of the road. “And I don’t mean I need Viagra either.” He noted her staring at the key as if it might turn into something else. “No, it doesn’t open automatically,” he informed her at last.

She shoved the key into the handle and got the door open, climbed up into the cab and reached across to unlock the door for him. Her gaze ran over the dashboard, uncertainty scrunching her face like a bitter fruit.

Ray folded himself into the passenger seat and slouched back, tipping his hat over his eyes. “Just let me know when you give up. I’ll be right here, darl…” Yeah, better not. He could almost feel her indignation, listening as she squirmed around and adjusted the seat.

“It’ll be a cold day in hell, mister, before I give up!” The key turned and the truck sputtered to life, then died again.

“You ever drive manual before?” he mumbled from under his Stetson, and sensed Carrie eyeing him. “That’s what I thought,” he answered to her lack of response. “Put your foot on the clutch, move her into first, release the brake, and get goin’, slowly releasing the clutch.”

“Who the hell drives stick shift anymore?” she muttered as she followed his terse instructions. The truck lurched forward as she spun it off the grass toward the road.

“Right,” Ray directed, feeling suddenly nauseous with the pitch of the car. Bile rising, he opened the door and spat before yanking it shut again. “Can you get the damn thing into second? Foot on the clutch, move the shift and let’s go if we’re going.”

“Fine! You don’t have to yell at me.”

Ray sat up, shoved his hat back from his eyes and glared at her, reining in his frustration and anger. “I was not yelling at you, but you know dang well we’d be far safer with me drivin’. As it is, I’m gonna need a new transmission.”

The truck staggered again. “I know no such thing.” She bent forward to swipe at the windscreen to clear it. “We haven’t got seatbelts on,” she murmured.

“We’re not going fast enough to need them.”

Carrie ignored his last remark and appeared to concentrate on keeping the truck moving. It sputtered again, and Ray let out a sigh of resignation just as flashing blue lights appeared in the side mirror. She pulled over, and the motor unceremoniously died.

“Damn!” she cursed, reaching down for her bag at Ray’s feet. “Let me get my license.”

Bio: Andrea Downing likes to say that when she decided to do a Masters Degree, she made the mistake of turning left out of New York, where she was born, instead of right to the west, and ended up in the UK. She eventually married there, raising a beautiful daughter and staying for longer than she cares to admit. Teaching, editing a poetry magazine, writing travel articles, and a short stint in Nigeria filled those years until in 2008 she returned to NYC. She now divides her time between the city and the shore, and often trades the canyons of New York for the wide open spaces of Wyoming. Family vacations are often out west and, to date, she and her daughter have been to some 20 ranches throughout the west. Loveland, her first book, was a finalist for Best American Historical at the 2013 RONE Awards. Lawless Love, a short story, part of The Wild Rose Press ‘Lawmen and Outlaws’ series, was a finalist for Best Historical Novella at the RONE Awards and placed in the 2014 International Digital Awards Historical Short contest. Dearest Darling, a novella, is part of The Wild Rose Press Love Letters series, and came out Oct. 8^th, 2014, and Dances of the Heart, her first contemporary novel, comes out in February, 2015.

Links to Social Media: WEBSITE AND BLOG: http://andreadowning.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/writerAndreaDowning

Twitter: @andidowning https://twitter.com/AndiDowning

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6446229.Andrea_Downing

Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=124888740&trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile_pic

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE: http://www.amazon.com/Andrea-Downing/e/B008MQ0NXS/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

Buy Links: Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Dances-Heart-Andrea-Downing-ebook/dp/B00S46BGY6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1421510959&sr=8-2&keywords=Dances+of+the+Heart

The Wild Rose Press: http://www.wildrosepub: http://www.amazon.com/Dances-Heart-Andrea-Downing-ebook/dp/B00S46BGY6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1421510959&sr=8-2&keywords=Dances+of+the+Heartlishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=195&products_id=6060

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Filed under Entertainment, For Writers

Tagged as Andrea Downing, East Hampton, Hill Country, loss, military, New York City, ranchers, Texas, the wild rose press, Writers

February 6, 2015 · 10:54 am

Ramblings of a Lifelong Fan – Part 32 – Reblog – The Ultimate Celebrity and More…

I apologize, but this has been a crazy week, so rather than post a new blog, which I didn’t have time to write, I am reposting an older blog. Hopefully, some of you will be seeing it for the first time. 🙂

***Keep an eye out for an upcoming contest where one lucky winner will receive this prize, along with a $10 Amazon Gift card. Follow my blog in order to receive notifications, including details of the contest.

As everyone knows by now, in my opinion, Elvis had it all. He was insanely gorgeous and sexy. His voice was phenomenal, magical. He could dance, he could act. He was generous and down to earth. And, people who met him said he had this special charisma that was impossible to put into words, impossible to resist.

And, Elvis did things that no other entertainers will ever do. Can you imagine performers of today; Justin Bieber, Justin Timberlake, Usher, Bruno Mars, and others like them, taking two years away from their careers to serve in the armed forces? (I guess these are good examples of the currently popular male singers. Either way, you get my point. :))

Elvis was so special, that my sister, Ruth, and I had to make a ‘deal’ when we played Barbies. Instead of having actual Ken dolls (we didn’t have a lot of money, so we had to make do with just the Barbies themselves), we would have imaginary guys for our Barbie boyfriends. However, since we would both want Elvis, and neither would give in, and it would be unfair for either of us to have him for our BB’s (Barbie Boyfriends), we struck a bargain. Neither of us could pick Elvis. He was just too untouchable, off limits. 🙂 Instead, we had to settle for guys like David Cassidy, Donny Osmond, Bobby Sherman, and so forth. Somehow, we made do.

Elvis generosity is legendary. He purchased FDR’s Yacht in 1964, intending to donate it to March of Dimes, but they refused the gift, saying the upkeep was too much. He ended up donating it to St. Jude’s Children’s Research hospital. I’ve heard stories, although I’m not sure how many of them are true, about his giving nature. One story is about a man who saw Elvis and a friend in Memphis one day. Elvis was searching his pockets for a dime to make a phone call. The man gave him a dime, and Elvis asked for his address so he could send him a thank you note. A few weeks later, the man received a letter from Elvis with the news that he’d paid off his mortgage. Of course, the stories about his giving away cars is almost as well-known as Elvis himself. One of my favorites is the story about the black lady who worked as a housekeeper at a hospital in Memphis. She was walking down Union Avenue and saw a stretch limo in front of a dealership with its doors open. She stuck her head in to look inside and commented on what a beautiful car it was. Elvis was in the car, and he instructed the man with him to order her one just like it. I also heard that, In 1975, he bought an electric wheelchair for a poor woman in East Memphis, and that he picked her up and personally sat her in it. The woman’s teenage daughter told Elvis she liked his car. He gave it to her and even gave her boyfriend a job. Even if some of these stories are exaggerated or fabricated, enough has been documented about his philanthropic nature for me to be certain he had a kind and giving heart.

Who is your ultimate celebrity? Why? Is it mainly because of their talent and appeal, or does it go deeper than that?

EOLS Charity

Learn more here, including how to donate:

http://www.graceland.com/epcf/

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***

Click Here for Kindle

Click Here for Nook

1 Comment

Filed under Elvis Presley, Entertainment

Tagged as Alicia Dean, Amazon, Beale Street, Elvis fan, Elvis Presley, Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation, End of Lonely Street, EPCF, Graceland, Kindle, Memphis, Ramblings Reblog, Rock and Roll, Sirius XM Elvis Radio, Vintage Historical Romance, Wild Rose Press

February 1, 2015 · 1:35 pm

A Humorous and Helpful Article from Anna Kittrell – How to Hear Your Errors

A dear friend of mine and very talented author, Anna Kittrell, shares a different method for reading aloud to catch mistakes in your writing:

Read Aloud, Hear Your Errors

by Anna Kittrell

Have you ever listened to a first grader proudly read a story while dragging his finger over every single word on the page? Indeed, he should be proud—he is mastering the skill of reading aloud. And as you sit smiling (or, perhaps shifting impatiently while Spot the dog runs on and on and on…) a habit is being reinforced that will not only help the child read better, but will also help him write better.

Reading aloud forces the brain to slow down and focus on each individual word, allowing the writer to hear errors initially overlooked. When used as an editing tool, this technique drastically improves writing quality. But what if your voice simply can’t hold up through that enormous work in progress? Take heart, there is a solution—Adobe Reader’s Read Out Loud option.

Not unlike that first grade child, Read Out Loud loves to read to you all day long, leaving you free to sit back and relax, with nothing to do but drag your finger across the page—and catch mistakes. Trust me, you’ll find plenty.

To use the Adobe Read Out Loud option, follow these six easy steps:

Save your word document as a PDF in the “Save as type” drop down box. This will turn your word document into an Adobe Reader file.
Open your PDF in Adobe
Go to your Adobe toolbar, and select “View”
From the drop down box, select “Read Out Loud”
Choose an option from the list that appears to the right: Deactivate Read Out Loud, Read This Page Only, Read To End of Document, Pause, or Stop.

(Tip: Since it is not possible to make changes within the PDF, I keep my original word document open. When I encounter an error, I pause the reader, pop over to my word document, and make corrections.)

Listen as the automated voice brings your words to life—sort of.

(Tip: During the Read Out Loud process, if you click on your document, a box will appear around a section of your text. After the outlined portion is read, the reader will stop. Repeat the above steps to re-start Read Out Loud.)

That’s all there is to it.

Okay, I admit the mechanical voice sounds a lot like the gal on my GPS, but I promise she will not say, “recalculating”—unless it is in your document. Sometimes she makes mincemeat of my characters’ names, which I find wildly entertaining. And, on occasion, a regular word such as bifocals throws her for a loop (she calls them biforcals).

Still, it beats reading aloud all weekend, getting laryngitis, and being unable to call in to work. Wait a minute—that sounds like a job for Adobe Read Out Loud! Type your excuse, save as a PDF, dial up your boss, and let the computer explain why you won’t be at work on Monday. Then spend the day cleaning up that manuscript—with Adobe Read Out Loud.

Anna Kittrell is the author of Romantic Suspense stories, Skinbound and Another Man’s Treasure

Plus, Inspirational Young Adult, Redbend High Series.

Click here to purchase from Amazon

Visit Anna on her homepage

2 Comments

Filed under Entertainment, For Writers

Tagged as Anna Kittrell, Inspirational, Prism Book Group, Read Aloud, romantic suspense, Wild Rose Press, Writing tips, Young Adult

January 31, 2015 · 11:13 am

New Releases from the Lobster Cove Series – Old Loves and Second Chances

So happy to share some new releases from The Wild Rose Press’s awesome Lobster Cove series. Fun settings, great covers and intriguing romance awaits you….

Working My Way Back to You by Doreen Alsen

Was there anything in particular that inspired your idea?

My heroine, Beth, and my hero, Jeff, were teenagers in my first book with TWRP called Mike’s Best Bet. He was the high school quarterback and she was a musician and he fell in love with her the minute he heard her play the piano. More impulsive than cautious, Jeff got Beth pregnant. Her father was pretty much insane and so the two ran away to Maine, in a blizzard, to elope. They got busted, and Beth’s father picked up his family and made them disappear.

The most asked question from readers who read Mike’s Best Bet was will Jeff and Beth get an HEA. Now they do.

What was it like working on a series where you had to coordinate with other writers?

It’s been a blast writing with other authors, especially ones as friendly and generous authors as the Lobster Cove peeps! Sometimes it was a challenge, but there was always someone to lend a hand or an ear.

Was there any part of your story that was taken from real life?

I’m a musician, I teach singing and musical theater and I spent 26 years at a Catholic church here in upstate NY.

Besides the main characters, who is your favorite character in the story and why?

Jeff and Beth’s ten year old son Danny. He’s a pistol. I also loved making up The Adventures of the Refractor comic book, as The Refractor is Danny’s favorite hero.

What do you love that most people would find odd?

Anchovies. Love ‘em on my pizza.

What do you dislike that most people would find odd?

Bowling. Hate it. Had to put a bowling alley in the book. It didn’t hurt too much.

Blurb:

Beth and her ten-year-old son are living happily in Lobster Cove, Maine–the only place she’s felt true love. She works hard as a single mom to provide for her son. Her world is rocked by the appearance of her high school sweetheart. Love for Jeff battles with fear that he will find out he’s the father of her precious son. Lies pile upon lies as she dodges his questions about the child.

PE teacher Jeff Myers can’t believe his eyes when he spots a familiar face in the diner. Though the beautiful Beth ducks his advances, his persistence finally wins out and she agrees to a dinner date. But when he discovers she gave birth to a son rather than the daughter she’d told him about, he is over-the-top angry.

Can they escape the quagmire of emotions, rediscover love, and bring three people together as a family?

Excerpt:

“She isn’t here. Don’t say anything else.” She disappeared behind the door.

A tiny blonde, Jenna squeezed the bridge of her nose looking like Tinkerbelle trying to stave off a migraine. “I wouldn’t dream of doing anything different.”

“You are totally made of awesome,” Beth said from behind the door. “I owe you.”

Jenna sighed. “I’ll put it on your tab.”

“And that’s why I adore you.”

“You adore me because I sign your paychecks.” The door to the shop opened. “Shut up,” Jenna said, sotto voce. “May I help you?” she said, in a very hearty voice, to the new arrival in the shop.

“Yeah, I’m looking for someone named Beth.” Jeff glanced around the store. “I know this looks weird, but Maggie and Sally told me she works here.”

Jenna cleared her throat. “Beth isn’t here right now.” Big pause. “Do you want to leave her a message?”

Beth trembled waiting for Jeff to answer Jenna. “When she comes back, tell her Jeff Myers was here asking about her. Here’s my card so she knows how to get in touch with me.”

“You got it.”

“Thanks.”

Beth waited until the store door opened and closed.

Jenna yelled, “Ollie, Ollie, oxen free! Come out, come out wherever you are!”

Beth inched out of the storeroom. “Thank you so much.”

Jenna crossed her arms under her chest. “Okay. Who is that guy and why is he wearing my coffee?”

Find the book here:

http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=242_175_133&products_id=6044

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***The Widows’ Gallery*, A Lobster Cove Book b**y Marilyn Baron

Was there anything in particular that inspired your idea? The Birth of Venus, by Italian painter Sandro Botticelli, is my favorite painting. I used to gaze at it when I visited The Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy, where I studied in college. That painting is a recurring theme in the book. The story starts on a Mediterranean cruise, which I took last year with my husband on our 40^th anniversary. Like the book, our ship made a stop in Florence, but the rest of the story was set in the fictional town of Lobster Cove. I’ve been to several towns in Maine and I fell in love with those places so I enjoyed setting my story in Maine. This might be my favorite book. I’m excited about it and can’t wait to see it in print.

What was it like working on a series where you had to coordinate with other writers? I enjoyed it a lot. We followed a literal map of the fictional town, and a story Bible with all the main characters, and we communicated back and forth via an internal loop when we had questions. If one of us had a character name that was already taken, we had to rename that character. I enjoyed the fact that characters from other books would appear in our books and vice versa. I did something similar with my blog group, The Petit Fours and Hot Tamales. We wrote several books (Free Reads on our site) where one blogger would start a chapter and the others would finish chapters, in turn, so it took a lot of coordination.

Was there any part of your story that was taken from real life? The fact that, like the main character, Abigail, I studied Italian. Mythology and Art History in Florence, Italy. I love Renaissance art and especially the painting The Birth of Venus, which also inspired the cover. I took that love of art and used it in the book when I had the characters start an art gallery and take possession of a missing masterpiece.

Besides the main characters, who is your favorite character in the story and why? I love five-year-old Isabella. My favorite line of hers is, “I’m Queen Isabella and I’m going to marry the Prince of Whales.” She means real whales, since her father, Tack Garrity is captain of a whale-watching excursion ship. Her mother, a ballerina, is dead and Isabella wears a tutu all the time, but she wears it inside out. She’s in desperate need of a mother and Abigail, the main character falls in love with Isabella and wishes she were her own. Now it’s up to Tack, who has harbored a crush on Abigail for a number of years, to make her fall in love with him.

What do you love that most people would find odd? Nothing comes to mind. I love the ocean and the beach, and nature, which most people do. I also love jewelry, which most women can relate to.

What do you dislike that most people would find odd? I don’t drink coffee, but I love hot chocolate.

Blurb:

Childless heiress Abigail Adams Longley and three other widows bond over a Renaissance masterpiece in Florence, Italy, and find love, friendship and joy in their joint venture to open an art gallery at the Longley mansion in Lobster Cove, Maine. Since the death of her husband, Abigail has been lonely and drifting in a house that’s too big and a town that’s too small. When she literally runs into sexy widower and whale-watching excursion captain Tack Garrity on the dock, she’s entranced by his adorable five-year-old daughter. But will Tack, who has harbored a secret crush on Abigail for almost two decades, be able to capture her heart? A secret pact her husband made with Tack could either tear them apart or bring them closer together and change their lives forever.

Excerpt:

Abigail Adams Longley looked around at the three women flanking her in Hall 10/14 of the Uffizi Gallery. They were all staring at The Birth of Venus like wide-eyed art students. Admittedly, the painting was as compelling as when the Medici family originally commissioned the tempera on canvas in the fifteenth century. But for Abigail, seeing the painting again wasn’t cathartic. It was beautiful, but that wasn’t the feeling she was going for. Peace. Why couldn’t she get some goddamned peace in this life? Abigail glanced at the square-cut, four-carat diamond on her finger, gazed at the sparkle of the ring she hadn’t removed since the day Louis had proposed. And now, a whole year after his death, she still hadn’t taken it off. Conventional wisdom dictated that you weren’t supposed to make any major life decisions until a year after a spouse’s death. Well, it had been a year already, and she hadn’t wanted to make even one decision—major or minor—about where to live, where to go, or what to do. Whoever said money can’t buy happiness had devised another dead-on axiom. She had all the money in the world—in fact Louis had left her a big chunk of the globe. He’d left her set for life, monetarily. But she would have traded every cent for the chance to be with him again. Louis was gone, and the sooner she faced the fact that she was alone on this planet, the better off she’d be.

Pre-order here: (Release date Feb 11)

Contact/Social Media Information

If you’re interested in learning about Marilyn’s other books, short stories and a musical, visit her Web site at www.marilynbaron.com. Or find her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Marilyn-Baron/286807714666748 and follow her on Twitter at https://twitter.com/MarilynBaron.

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One More Second Chance by Jana Richards

Was there anything in particular that inspired your idea?

I already had a small town novel in mind when the call came out from The Wild Rose Press about the Lobster Cove series. So I packed up my characters and moved them to Maine, where they fit in perfectly!

What was it like working on a series where you had to coordinate with other writers?

It was fun and challenging. Keeping all the details straight in our little town takes a lot of effort. But everyone has been so helpful and upbeat that it’s been a real pleasure.

Was there any part of your story that was taken from real life?

The only part of ONE MORE SECOND CHANCE that is from real life is my knowledge of small towns. My character Alex is a city boy and he’s shocked by the gossip of small towns, and how everyone seems to know a lot about everyone. But he’s also struck by how much people look after each other in Lobster Cove. He comes to realize that you’ve got to take the good with the bad.

Besides the main characters, who is your favorite character in the story and why?

That’s a hard question! I like all of my secondary characters, but if I had to choose a favorite, I guess it would have to be Julia’s six year old daughter Ava. She’s sunny and adorable, without being too cloyingly sweet, I hope!

What do you love that most people would find odd?

Most think that the flat prairie or plains is boring, but I happen to think it’s beautiful. Who needs an ocean view?

What do you dislike that most people would find odd?

I really hate Dr. Pepper, and I’m not fond of anything with figs. And though I love sunshine, I can’t handle hot weather, especially hot, humid weather. I’m definitely a Northern girl!

Blurb:

Can she put aside the heartaches of the past and trust Alex enough to accept the love he’s offering? Or will her fear of abandonment mean she’ll send him away forever?

Excerpt:

He stepped off the stage as inconspicuously as he could, and made his way to the table manned by Jill from the diner and several other volunteers who were collecting the proceeds of the auction. Writing a check for his purchase, and adding an extra hundred dollars to make an even thousand, he handed it to Jill.

“Thank you very much for your contribution, Dr. Campbell,” she said with a smile.

“Please, call me Alex. I spend so much time in your diner I feel we should be on a first-name basis.”

“All right. Alex it is.” She wrote a receipt and handed it to him. “You made a very fine purchase.”

“Yeah.”

He couldn’t help turning his attention back to the stage. Edie and Aaron had stepped down, leaving Julia alone to handle the master of ceremonies duties. Her voice sounded shaky, as if she was still struggling with her emotions.

“I invite you to take a look at the silent auction prizes we’ve assembled. There’s something there for everyone. We’ll be picking the winners in an hour, so there’s still time to get your tickets. And the ladies at the bake sale booth tell me they still have some items for sale. Everything has to go, so please go see them. I’m going to turn over the mic to our deejay now. Let’s get this party started!”

Alex closed his eyes. He had to get out of here. He couldn’t listen to Julia’s voice anymore, couldn’t watch her, and still pretend there wasn’t something between them. He couldn’t hide his feelings any longer.

He was in love with her.

“Dr. Campbell? Alex? Are you okay?”

Jill stared at him with a concerned look on her face.

She probably thought he was crazy. Maybe he was. He couldn’t be in love with Julia. He was leaving in six months.

He left the gymnasium as quickly as he could manage, but he couldn’t outrun his thoughts. He was in serious trouble. He was in love with a woman he couldn’t have. A woman who didn’t want him.

Find the book here:

http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=195&products_id=6065

Social Media Links:

Website: http://www.janarichards.com

Blog: http://janarichards.blogspot.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/JanaRichardsAuthor

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

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/author/janarichards

Newsletter Signup: http://www.eepurl.com/m3UnT

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2892274Jana_Richards

Google+ Profile: https://plus.google.com/100820406211390323245

I don’t have any buy links or pre-order links yet, but I do have a page on my website where the buy will eventually go: http://www.janarichards.com/onemoresecondchance.html

5 Comments

Filed under Entertainment, For Writers

Tagged as Lobster Cove, Romance, the wild rose press

January 30, 2015 · 9:41 am

Ramblings of a Lifelong Fan – Part 31 – When Two Princes Visited the King

Not only is Elvis well loved here in the Unites States, he has fans all over the world–fans from paupers to princes, in fact.

Last year when Prince William and Prince Harry were in Memphis for a friend’s wedding, they visited Graceland. The mansion was shut down to the public for the visit, and the royals, along with a group that included Princess Eugenie and Beatrice, toured the home and grounds.

Here they are on Graceland grounds wearing the famous Elvis sunglasses:

Even though Elvis died before they were born, the princes were interested enough in his legacy to take time out of their schedule to visit his home. A true testament to the far-reaching and lasting popularity of the King of Rock and Roll.

While Elvis was loved all over the world, he never toured overseas, although he said many times that he wanted to. Supposedly, the reason that Colonel Parker never allowed Elvis to tour outside of the U.S. was because he was an illegal immigrant from Holland, and he was afraid of being deported, or perhaps even imprisoned (there were rumors that he was wanted for murder, but I don’t know if that’s true).

Here is Elvis in front of his beloved home in 1957, the year he purchased Graceland:

Have you ever visited Graceland? Would you like to? I’ve been several times and am looking forward to going again sometime, hopefully soon. I can’t wait to try out the new Ipads they provide on the tour where John Stamos’ voice is the tour guide. How cool is that?

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Learn more here, including how to donate:

http://www.graceland.com/epcf/

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***

Click Here for Kindle

Click Here for Nook

10 Comments

Filed under Elvis Presley, Entertainment

Tagged as Alicia Dean, Amazon, Beale Street, Elvis fan, Elvis Presley, Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation, Graceland, Kindle, Memphis, Prince Harry, Prince William, Rock and Roll, Sirius XM Elvis Radio, The Royals

Author Alicia Dean

Reap & Repent by Lisa Medley

Reap & Repent

Ramblings of a Lifelong Elvis Fan – Part 34 – Just Pretend, Elvis no Velvet

EOLS Charity

Who wants to play ‘Guess the Martini’ and win prizes????

And the winners are…

I’m excited to share some fun stuff about a new series coming soon. BUT, before we get to that, let’s play a game!

Now, my friends and I would like to share a little about our Martini Club 4 stories and answer some questions:

Tidbit from Amanda McCabe…

Tidbit from Alicia Dean…

Tidbit from Kathy L Wheeler…

Tidbit from Krysta Scott:

Ramblings of a Lifelong Fan – Part 33 – The Movies 9-11 – Follow that Dream, Kid Gallahad, Girls, Girls, Girls

I have seen all of Elvis’ movies over the years, multiple times, but I am watching them again (I have them all on DVD) and blog about them from time to time. I am up to Elvis’ 9^th 10^th and 11^th movies. (All from 1962)

Follow that Dream

Kid Gallahad

Girls, Girls, Girls

EOLS Charity

Where Everyone Knows Your Name

I’m so pleased to introduce another Wild Rose Press story, One More Second Chance by Jana Richards. I just love TWRP, their authors, their covers, and their fabulous stories!

Dances of the Heart – Andrea Downing

**** Winner of the FREE ecopy of Dances of the Heart is Teressa Mirault. Congratulations, Teressa!

Ramblings of a Lifelong Fan – Part 32 – Reblog – The Ultimate Celebrity and More…

I apologize, but this has been a crazy week, so rather than post a new blog, which I didn’t have time to write, I am reposting an older blog. Hopefully, some of you will be seeing it for the first time. 🙂

EOLS Charity

A Humorous and Helpful Article from Anna Kittrell – How to Hear Your Errors

A dear friend of mine and very talented author, Anna Kittrell, shares a different method for reading aloud to catch mistakes in your writing:

Read Aloud, Hear Your Errors

New Releases from the Lobster Cove Series – Old Loves and Second Chances

So happy to share some new releases from The Wild Rose Press’s awesome Lobster Cove series. Fun settings, great covers and intriguing romance awaits you….

Working My Way Back to You by Doreen Alsen

***The Widows’ Gallery*, A Lobster Cove Book b**y Marilyn Baron

One More Second Chance by Jana Richards

Ramblings of a Lifelong Fan – Part 31 – When Two Princes Visited the King

Latest Instagram Post

Follow Blog via Email

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Reap & Repent

EOLS Charity

And the winners are…

I’m excited to share some fun stuff about a new series coming soon. BUT, before we get to that, let’s play a game!

Now, my friends and I would like to share a little about our Martini Club 4 stories and answer some questions:

Tidbit from Amanda McCabe…

Tidbit from Alicia Dean…

Tidbit from Kathy L Wheeler…

Tidbit from Krysta Scott:

I have seen all of Elvis’ movies over the years, multiple times, but I am watching them again (I have them all on DVD) and blog about them from time to time. I am up to Elvis’ 9th 10th and 11th movies. (All from 1962)

Follow that Dream

Kid Gallahad

Girls, Girls, Girls

EOLS Charity

I’m so pleased to introduce another Wild Rose Press story, One More Second Chance by Jana Richards. I just love TWRP, their authors, their covers, and their fabulous stories!

**** Winner of the FREE ecopy of Dances of the Heart is Teressa Mirault. Congratulations, Teressa!

I apologize, but this has been a crazy week, so rather than post a new blog, which I didn’t have time to write, I am reposting an older blog. Hopefully, some of you will be seeing it for the first time. 🙂

EOLS Charity

A dear friend of mine and very talented author, Anna Kittrell, shares a different method for reading aloud to catch mistakes in your writing:

Read Aloud, Hear Your Errors

So happy to share some new releases from The Wild Rose Press’s awesome Lobster Cove series. Fun settings, great covers and intriguing romance awaits you….

Working My Way Back to You by Doreen Alsen

The Widows’ Gallery, A Lobster Cove Book by Marilyn Baron

One More Second Chance by Jana Richards

Latest Instagram Post

Follow Blog via Email

I have seen all of Elvis’ movies over the years, multiple times, but I am watching them again (I have them all on DVD) and blog about them from time to time. I am up to Elvis’ 9^th 10^th and 11^th movies. (All from 1962)

***The Widows’ Gallery*, A Lobster Cove Book b**y Marilyn Baron