Category Archives: Entertainment

Coming Soon from Christina Tetreault

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Blurb:

Billionaire Trent Sherbrooke works hard and plays harder. He’s never once cared what the media or society says about him, until now.  Intent on making his way into the United States Senate, Trent hires campaign advisor Marty Phillips. A ruthless force in politics he’ll stop at nothing to get his candidate elected.

After a chance encounter throws local small business owner Addison Raimono in Trent’s path, Marty believes he’s found Trent’s ticket into Washington.

Ignoring his conscience that insists he leave Addison alone, Trent sets out to win her over. Soon what he assumed would be a relationship to salvage his reputation turns into so much more. But can a relationship started on a lie ever survive?

Available at iTunes for pre-order now: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/redeeming-the-billionaire/id901943859?mt=11

Available everywhere in September

Author Bio:

I started writing at the age of 10 on my grandmother’s manual typewriter and never stopped. When I am not driving my 3 daughters (ages 7, 5, and 5) around to their various activities or chasing around our two dogs, I am working on a story or reading a romance novel. I just finished Redeeming The Billionaire book 5 in the Sherbrookes of Newport series, and I have started book 2 in my new series Love On The North Shore. You can visit my website http://www.christinatetreault.com or follow me on Facebook to learn more about my characters and to track my progress on my current writing projects.

Author Links:

Website:  http://www.christinatetreault.com

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

Twitter: @cgricci

Excerpt:

Marty folded up the sleeves of his shirt. “It’s all a matter of importance. The who doesn’t matter. The wonderful opportunity it presents does. Now, I need to know everything. How did you meet her? How long have you known her? Have you slept with her yet?”

Trent pinched the bridge of his nose. Christ, couldn’t he have a cup of coffee with a woman without someone assuming he’d slept with her? “I met her just before we met last week. I bumped into her on the sidewalk and spilled coffee on her. When this picture was taken I had stopped in the bakery and when I saw her again I said hello. We talked for a few minutes before she left.”

As Marty chewed he jotted notes down on a legal pad. “That’s it? You didn’t ask her out to dinner? Get her phone number?”

Did the man think he asked out every attractive female he met? “More or less.”

Marty looked up at him. “More or less, I need to know everything. And when I say everything, I mean it.”

“I told her I wanted this office redecorated and asked if she might be interested. Shirley called and set up an appointment with her.” After giving Shirley the instructions, he hadn’t thought anymore about it.

“Excellent. When?”

“I’ll have to check my calendar.”

Marty tapped his pen against his pad several times before he spoke. “We might have to change our time table a little, but I’d like to keep to it if possible. A wedding at the end of next summer is ideal. That would give you a solid year of marriage before the actual election.”

Caution flags jumped up as he listened to Marty. The advisor’s original plan had been acceptable. A marriage to a wealthy socialite who viewed their relationship as a way to achieve her own goals was one thing. What Marty proposed now was entirely something else.

“Perhaps we should stick with what we originally discussed. Why don’t I go through these and pick a candidate.” Trent reached for the binders Marty had put together. “Then they’ll be no need to adjust our timeline.”

“You hired me because you want to win.” Marty pointed his pen at the picture of Addison. “She’s your ticket to the Senate.”

Trent’s eyes focused on the picture. What had she just said to him when the picture was taken? It must have been funny because he had a huge smile on his face. Come to think of it, he’d smiled through much of their conversation. She’d had an easygoing nature with a great sense of humor. There had been no awkward moments or long gaps of silence. Under different circumstances he wouldn’t mind getting to know her better.

“The women in here may help repair your reputation.” Marty pointed to the binders he’d put together of potential wife candidates. “This one though will win the hearts of voters.” He nodded toward the newspaper on the table. “I don’t understand the problem. She’s beautiful and well-educated.”

Marty had him there. Addison was attractive and, from all he could tell, intelligent. Even with that knowledge, a corner of his conscience prickled at the idea.

Across the table Marty popped a pickle in his mouth and chewed as he waited. “If it helps look at it this way. Her involvement with you will put her business on the fast track. The whole thing will still more or less be a business agreement.”

Trent nodded. Marty had a point. If he and Addison became romantically involved it would do more for her business than an ad during the Super Bowl.

“If you’re going to make it in politics you need to learn to do what’s right for your career, everything else comes second. Trust me, I’ve been around long enough to know that few politicians make it with their conscience intact.” Marty pushed the paper closer to him. “So what’s it going to be?”

Addison’s face beamed up at him. “We’ll try it your way, but if it’s not working we will fall back to our original plan.” Sure, they’d had an enjoyable conversation over coffee but he was not prepared to wager the rest of his life on that. He picked up his untouched sandwich. “I’m assuming you made sure she’s not involved with anyone.”

The look Marty gave him said it all. “Unless she’s got a secret lover tucked in her closet, she’s single and has been for over a year.”

“Okay, I’ll let you know how things go. But in the meantime, keep working on who leaked this picture.”

 

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Jennifer Lowery’s New Release, Maximum Risk, and a YUMMY Recipe!

Hi Alicia and all you fabulous readers out there *waves* Thank you so much for having me today! My romantic suspense, Maximum Risk, released this month so I’m very excited to be here! Thank you so much for sharing it with me!! 

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In honor of my release I am giving away an e-book copy of any one of my books (go to my WEBSITE to choose) to one lucky commenter so please leave me a comment with your EMAIL so I can contact you if you win!!

I love cooking almost as much as I love writing. Almost. Writing is definitely my passion, but cooking can be fun sometimes too. I often include cooking scenes in my writing and it is usually the hero that is doing the cooking. Hmm…wonder why that is, lol. Probably because I don’t have the time anymore! And, probably why I started a cooking blog called Romance Recipes…Authors cooking up more than romance. So I can introduce readers to a blog where they can meet new authors, try a new recipe and pick up a new book all in one place! If you’d like to check it out here the link: Romance Recipes.

In Maximum Risk, my heroine, Avery, is cut off from her life due to the bad guys wanting her dead. To get her mind off the danger she bakes a batch of her mom’s No Bake Cookies-the only thing she can bake since she isn’t a cook.  Quinn gave them his approval and he comes from a family where his mom cooks Sunday dinner and leaves Tupperware in his fridge when he’s away-so you know they’re good 🙂 So, here’s the recipe for Avery’s No Bake Cookies from Maximum Risk. Enjoy!

Avery’s No Bake Cookies

½ c cocoa

2 c sugar

½ c milk

1 stick butter

½ c peanut butter

½ tsp. vanilla

3 c quick-cooking oats

  • Mix sugar, cocoa, milk and butter in a saucepan and boil for 1 minute
  • Take off heat
  • Add peanut butter, vanilla and oats.
  • Lay out on wax paper and let cool before enjoying!

 ***BONUS***

For everyone who signs up for my NEWSLETTER you will receive an e-book copy of my short story, Taking Chances ($.99 value) for FREE!

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Thank you for having me today, Alicia!! I just want to send out a big THANK YOU to all my readers out there! Without you I wouldn’t be here. My wish is to one day meet each and every one of you so I can personally thank you for your generosity and support! 
All my best, 
Jennifer

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TWRP New Release Spotlight – PLUS Fun Facts and Favorite Lines…

I’m happy to share some brand new releases from The Wild Rose Press. Check out these exciting stories and be sure to follow the authors.

 

Ashantay Peters with Death Rub, a Mystery Novel

Class reunions can be murder, even after finding the perfect dress 

Interesting Tidbit: 

I was having a chair massage when the idea for this book niggled into my brain. My massage therapist didn’t seem as enthused as I was about the plot, however. Hmm…I wonder if she thought I was making a personal comment about her skills.  Not so! My fictional massage therapist, Maggie, is a true heroine – facing her past and working past her fears to reach a better future. But then, I think anyone who confronts their dark side is heroic.

Favorite Line(s):

“He tasted like cinnamon with a piquant aftertaste of dark chocolate.”

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Find Death Rub here:

Wild Rose Press – Click Here

Amazon – Click Here

Find Ashantay here: 

Web site –www.ashantay.com

Email – ashantay.peters@gmail.com

Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/ashantay.peters

Amazon Author –https://www.amazon.com/author/ashantaypeters

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Diana Green with Dragon Wife, Paranormal Romance Novel

Beware the dragon when he finds his mate.

Interesting Tidbit:

The idea for this story came to me from a dream. In it, I experienced being a woman with magical abilities, living in a medieval world. I encountered a dragon-shifter chieftain and became quite smitten with him, only to learn he was betrothed to my cousin.
The emotions in my dream were so compelling, as was the vividness of the setting and characters. When I woke, I knew I had the seed for a great novel. The rest, as they say, is history.

Favorite Lines:

“If  you’re fretting about those stories, where dragons carry off beautiful virgins, I can put your mind at rest. I haven’t done that in ages.”

Orwenna’s head snapped up.

“Since I’m not a beauty or a virgin, I won’t worry,” she said tartly. “I’ll just pray you can fly well enough not to drop me.”

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On sale for a limited time: e-book $2.50 through The Wild Rose Press: Click Here

From Amazon for $4.99: Click Here

Paperback $12.99

Find Diana here $12.99

Website http://www.dianagreenbooks.com

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Gail MacMillan with Heather for a Highlander, historical romance novel

Interesting Tidbit:

In reading a book about provincial history, I came upon a section listing home remedies in 1820 New Brunswick.  Some were bazaar such as the asthma cure that required eating field mice fried in butter.  Others , such as heating poppy seeds in milk as a cure for insomnia, had merit.  About this time, people of the First Nation were also introducing their own medicines such as the fox glove plant for heart ailments to the newcomers.  What about a doctor of that era as a hero?  The idea burst into my mind as I read.  But not just any doctor… a remarkable doctor, one who could separate  the ridiculous remedies from those with benefits, a doctor open the wisdom of the First Nation’s healers and shamans, a doctor bold enough to question long standing medical practices such as bleeding?   Thus was born Dr. William MacTavish and his rogue of a brother, sea captain James.  And as Dr. MacTavish’s practice in the backwoods of New Brunswick grew, he would require an assistant but when he sent his brother on a quest for such an individual he had no idea his unpredictable brother would return with Heather for the former Highlander Dr. MacTavish.

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On sale for a limited time: e-book $2.50 through The Wild Rose Press: Click Here

From Amazon:  Click Here

Find Gail here:

Facebook:  Gail MacMillan

Twitter:  @tollerbeagle44

Web site: http://www.gailmacmillan.ca

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Elvis Presley – Ramblings of a Lifelong Fan – Part 8 – His Death

Tomorrow, August 16, will be the 37th anniversary of Elvis’s death. If you are in your late forties or older, you most likely remember hearing the news. It’s odd, but most people, even those who weren’t Elvis fans, remember that day well. I certainly do. I was sixteen and working at A & W in Moore, Oklahoma. I was one of the only few female employees, and the guys I worked with gave me a hard time about many things, particularly my love for Elvis. That afternoon, Rob, one of the carhops who was off work, came in the restaurant and said, “Hey, Elvis died.” I said, “Shut up, Rob.” He had this big grin on his face and said, “No, really, I’m serious. I just heard it.” I rolled my eyes and said, “Whatever.” Then, my boss, Harold, came out of the office with a strange look on his face and told me that my mom called and said I needed to go home. My body went weak and I was just starting to process that maybe Rob was telling the truth, when I looked out through our big glass window and saw my sister, Janis pulling in. She was crying. And then, I knew for sure. Elvis was gone. I found out later that my mother called my boss and told him that when I learned the news of Elvis’ passing, I would need to leave. He scoffed and told her he didn’t think that would be necessary, and she said, “No, trust me. She’ll need to leave.” So, he reluctantly agreed. Once he saw my reaction in those few moments before I actually left, he understood. My sisters and I grieved for weeks. (I think we’re still grieving some). My parents were amazing through that time. My dad had always teased us about Elvis, but after he passed, he apologized and said he would never say another bad word against him. 🙂 They allowed us to hang black ribbons on our porch columns and Elvis posters on the outside of our house and on the door. I remember a car stopped and the woman driving offered to pay, I think it was fifteen dollars, for the poster hanging on the door, which belonged to me. I said no, thank you.

ELVIS

For weeks we cried and wore black arm bands and listened to tributes and mourned. It might seem odd that we grieved so deeply for someone we’d never met, but Elvis was a very special part of our lives. My sisters and I had shared years of lying on the living room floor watching him in movies, dreaming that we were the lucky girls he was kissing. We covered our walls with his posters and played his music incessantly. Watching him made us happy, lifted our spirits, and now, the man who’d brought us nothing but joy had caused us the deepest sadness we’d known in our young lives. We truly loved him and would miss him. My sister Ruth and I had been to three of his concerts (1975, 1976, and 1977), and we fully intended to go see him again, and again, and again… My older sisters, Janis and Sheri, had been to a concert in 1970 that Ruth and I weren’t allowed to attend, because we were too young. Ugh…we were NOT happy. She was 7 and I was 9. Too young for an Elvis concert? Puh-lease! I still haven’t fully forgiven my parents for that one. 🙂 (Even though she was just a toddler at the time, I can’t leave out my baby sister, Christi, mainly because I’ll never hear the end of it. But, she loved Elvis too, and this Sunday, she, my sister Sheri and my friend Kelly and I are all going to Tinseltown to see the re-mastered version of Elvis’ That’s the Way It Is…can’t wait!)

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I remember an incident the winter following his death. I was in the tenth grade, and we had one of the worst blizzards ever that year. My school chums and I were outside in the freezing cold (we were slightly off campus in partially built homes next to the school, smoking cigarettes. I was a bit of a ‘hood,’ although I was a really, really good kid in most ways, I promise! :)). Something was said about Elvis and one of the guys, Charles, said, “It’s about time the son of a bitch kicked the bucket.” I was drinking a coke, and without even thinking, I flung it in his face. Everyone was annoyed with me, even my best friend, Paige. But, I swear, it was just an automatic reaction. That’s not something I would have normally done. I was thinking about that this week and I decided to look him up on Facebook. I friend requested him, but oddly, he hasn’t accepted my request yet. Hmmm…. Anyway, I also requested Tommy, another guy I went to school with who I found on Charles’ page, and he did accept my request. (In all fairness, I didn’t douse him with Coca-Cola in a blizzard). It was fun catching up with Tommy. I requested him under my pen name, and he FB messaged me and said, “I found an Alice Robertson Clary on your friends list and I went to school with a girl by that name who I remember loved Elvis Presley.” I told him that it was me, and that I still loved him. He also said he seemed to recall me writing in a notebook that I’d covered with Elvis pics. He asked if I was honing my writing skills. 🙂 It’s so funny that he remembered those things about me. I like that someone from my past remembers me for Elvis and writing, two of my main passions. 

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I have never been to Graceland for Elvis week, but someday I would like to. I would imagine it is quite an event. Fans from all over the world travel to Elvis’ home to participate in Elvis week and pay respects to their idol. Another testament to his overwhelming popularity and the impact his life—and his death—had on the world. I know it had a huge impact on me, and on my sisters. Elvis definitely left his mark on this world, and on our hearts.

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I don’t want to dwell on the circumstances of Elvis’ death, the timeline and all of that. I’d rather pay respects to the life he lived than his death. I do wonder sometimes if he had a premonition. His rendition of Frank Sinatra’s ‘My Way’ was almost like a farewell ode. And he sang it with a great deal of emotion. In one version, his voice cracks slightly, and it just sounds so sad. Also, in a 1977 concert, the last tour he was to do, he said, “Til we meet again, may God bless you. Adios.” There was just something so sad and haunting about his last year on Earth. Although, his hairdresser, Larry Geller, who was also Elvis’ friend and mentor, said that in those last few months, Elvis talked about changing his life, about getting healthier and pursuing a serious movie career. That would have been spectacular, but whether or not he’d have actually followed through, we’ll never know.

I’ve rambled on enough, so I’ll leave you with this. An earlier performance of “My Way” during the Aloha from Hawaii concert: 

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Five Authors from Oklahoma – (Burdened, Vol. 2) Five Stories in One Boxed Set About a Cursed Doll and True Love

Last week I introduced a boxed set of 5 short stories from The Tales of the Scrimshaw Doll series. This week, I am featuring Burdened, Volume 2. 

A while back, a group of Oklahoma authors came together to write a series of short stories with the recurring theme of a cursed Scrimshaw doll. The curse began in the late seventeenth century when a father feared his daughter’s betrothed would betray her. A gypsy attempted to hex the girl with this spell: All those who betray you will suffer. Only true love can break the curse. As luck (or bad luck) would have it, the girl was holding a Scrimshaw Doll her father had made for her, and the curse went into the doll instead, and therefore, it carried on for centuries. Our first installment picks up with the young woman’s daughter, who has inherited the doll.  

These stories, in various genres, all stand alones, were published with The Wild Rose Press as individual releases, but have now been released in two boxed sets, each containing five stories.

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 *** ON SALE for a limited time for only 2.99. Click here to purchase… 

From Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Burdened-Tales-Scrimshaw-Digital-Boxed-ebook/dp/B00MNTXSF0/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1407933813&sr=8-9&keywords=alicia+dean

From The Wild Rose Press:

http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=195&products_id=5785

(Cursed, Volume 1, can be found here – and still on sale for $2.99)

From Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Cursed-Tales-Scrimshaw-Digital-Boxed-ebook/dp/B00MG8B940/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1407415923&sr=1-1&keywords=Cursed+tales+of+the+scrimshaw+doll

From The Wild Rose Press:

http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=234&products_id=5783

Take a look at the fun and exciting stories in Volume 2: 

 

Kathy L Wheeler with The Color of Betrayal, Contemporary Novella

He’d risk a broken nose for love

Factoid:

When I found myself stuck trying to determine artist Malia Kane’s sidekick, one of my very good friends began to speak—so what if he’d already passed from this world into the next—It worked. Charlie’s advice was perfect! And I was happy to bring him back to life as Malia’s agent. It was a fitting tribute for one of my best friends ever.

A favorite line:

“You went out with Hercules?”

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Find Kathy here:

http://www.kathylwheeler.com

facebook.com/kathylwheeler

twitter: @kathylwheeler

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Callie Hutton with Tessa’s Treasures, Contemporary Romance Novella

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Alicia Dean with Thicker than Water, Romantic Suspense Novella 

Some secrets refuse to stay buried

Factoid:

I almost always use celebrities as inspiration for my main characters in order to have a set image in my mind and to make them feel more real. In this story, it seemed to work especially well for me. I used Timothy Olyphant as Raylan Givens in Justified for my hero, Sheriff Jake Devlin, and the character really seemed to come alive for me. Another little tidbit; I almost always use fictitious towns in my books. In this story, I used Covington, Oklahoma, as a nod to Covington, Georgia, the real town behind fictitious Mystic Falls and where Vampire Diaries is filmed. I decided to use the same town in my upcoming Halloween short story, Caster’s Unfriendly Ghost.

A favorite line(s):

Julia stared at her incredulously. “You can’t possibly think that we deserve to be punished?”

Pam met her gaze. “I don’t think you do, but maybe the doll does.”

 

THICKERTHANWATER

 

Contact me…here! You’re on my website. 🙂

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Anna Kittrell with Skinbound, Romantic Suspense Novella

When Darcy falls for the town doctor, she finds herself at her wicked twin sister’s mercy, with nothing but the yellowed bones of an ancient doll to protect her.

Factoid:

Truth makes great fiction, and I infiltrate my stories with plenty of it. Take the following excerpt from Skinbound, for example: 

Once, as a young girl, Scarlett whispered Darcy’s name through the keyhole of her bedroom door. Darcy knocked, then twisted the knob. Finding it locked, she’d dropped to her knees, peering through the keyhole into the shadowy room. Puzzled, she’d raised her head—just as a straightened coat hanger plunged through the opening, nicking her cheek. 

The truth is, yes, I almost lost an eyeball. As a child, my sister plunged a straightened coat hanger through the keyhole, barely missing my eye. I moved just in time. Oh—I should mention one little discrepancy—she hadn’t called my name through the opening. I was just spying. Guess I deserved it.

A favorite line(s):

She dove for the cardboard box as if it were home plate. Blood oozed from her skinned elbows as she thrust her hands into her great-grandmother’s belongings, rescuing her scrimshaw doll.
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Find Anna here:

Website: http://annakittrell.com/

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/AKittrell

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KittrellAnna

Email: kittrellbooks@gmail.com

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Tamrie Foxtail with The Bone Bride, Romantic Suspense Novella 

Daira’s first love has returned to their home town. Is he the next victim of the scrimshaw doll?

Factoid:

I live in a small Oklahoma town. Our old home was a short walk from a haunted bridge, one that actually appears on a list of Oklahoma’s most haunted sights. I’ve always wanted to use the bridge in a story, and it seemed a perfect fit with a cursed doll.

A Favorite Line(s):

She turned to look at him. His nose was an inch from hers. She struggled to keep her eyes from crossing. “You think I don’t want you to kiss me because you dumped me twenty years ago?”

“You mean there’s another reason?”

“Yes! You’re little more than a stranger, now. I don’t go around kissing strange men.”

His smile deepened. He leaned closer, the tip of his tongue tracing the shell of her ear. She shivered.

“I’m not a stranger, sweetheart.” His hands slid down her arms and moved to her waist. “I’m the man who took your virginity in the backseat of my car.”

 

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Elvis Presley – Ramblings of a Lifelong Fan – Part 7 – Anniversary of That’s the Way It Is

Elvis: That’s the Way It Is was Elvis’ first non-dramatic film, a documentary chronicling live performances from The Elvis Summer Festival at the International Hotel in Las Vegas. The film features shows Elvis performed on August 11, 12, and 13, 1970. Who would have imagined that, seven years later, he would be gone? He was so vibrant and sexy and alive at the time that it is mind boggling to think about. 

One of the things I loved about the film was that it not only showed some amazing concert performances, but it showed the ‘behind the scenes’ Elvis hanging out with his entourage, rehearsals, fans commenting on what they love about him, and celebrities such as George Hamilton, Cary Grant, Juliet Prowse, and Sammy Davis, Jr. arriving for opening night. 

I was only nine years old when the film released, and I remember watching it, enthralled. At the time, I had never been to an Elvis concert, and it was a thrill to see him perform. And, to see glimpses of the ‘real’ Elvis in how he interacted with his friends and the people who worked with him. 

That’s the Way It Is featured some fabulous songs, some that people who aren’t true Elvis fans aren’t all that familiar with, such as How the Web Was Woven. Here is a brief clip of him singing part of the song in rehearsals as he plays the piano. Watch what he does at the end: 

Here is a recording of the entire song: 

One of my very favorite songs from the performances is Just Pretend. I love it so much, I named my first romance after it (I wrote it when I was eleven). I also named my hero Lonnie Beale after Elvis’ character in the movie, Tickle Me. And, I described him as looking like Elvis. 🙂 I still have the story, written mostly in pencil with the first page missing from the tattered spiral notebook. At the end, my heroine thinks Lonnie died in a plane crash, but as it turns out, (Spoiler alert!) he’d taken a different flight and he comes to her where she’s crying on the beach, and he sings Just Pretend (which has a line, “I’ll come flying to you again.” – see how I cleverly wove that in?) It was a riveting moment, LOL. 

Here is his concert performance of Just Pretend: 

Wasn’t he so sweet to his fans? Lucky, lucky woman. 

I was excited to learn that the re-mastered version of That’s the Way It Is will be showing in select theaters this month. It is coming to Oklahoma City, and I must go. So, I’m off to check on tickets. Until next time…  

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Five Authors from Oklahoma – Five Stories in One Boxed Set About a Cursed Doll and True Love

A while back, a group of Oklahoma authors came together to write a series of short stories with the recurring theme of a cursed Scrimshaw doll. The curse began in the late seventeenth century when a father feared his daughter’s betrothed would betray her. A gypsy attempted to hex the girl with this spell: All those who betray you will suffer. Only true love can break the curse. As luck (or bad luck) would have it, the girl was holding a Scrimshaw Doll her father had made for her, and the curse went into the doll instead, and therefore, it carried on for centuries. Our first installment picks up with the young woman’s daughter, who has inherited the doll. 

These stories, in various genres, all stand alones, were published with The Wild Rose Press as individual releases, but have now been released in two boxed sets, each containing five stories. The first set released today, and the second set, Betrayed, will release next Thursday, August 14th. Volume 2 contains stories from myself, Callie Hutton, Kathy L Wheeler, Tamrie Foxtail, and Anna Kittrell. 

*** ON SALE for a limited time for only 2.99. Click here to purchase… 

From Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Cursed-Tales-Scrimshaw-Digital-Boxed-ebook/dp/B00MG8B940/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1407415923&sr=1-1&keywords=Cursed+tales+of+the+scrimshaw+doll

From The Wild Rose Press:

http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=234&products_id=5783

 

CursedTalesoftheScrimshawDollVolume1_w9327_750

 

Be sure to check out next week’s post. In the meantime…take a look at the fun and exciting stories in Volume 1: 

 

Diana Layne, Pirate’s Proposal, Historical romance Novella 

The story that began it all…

Interesting Fact:

I love pirate romances and Italians and strong women heroines and was happy to find a way to combine the three!

A favorite line:

One pirate often looked like the other, sunburned and scruffy, but she was certain they’d never met.

 

pirate

Find Diana here:

Website: http://www.dianalayne.com/
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/dianalaynebooks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dianalaynebooks
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/dianalaynebooks/

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Kae Elle Wheeler / The English Lily / Historical Novella

 A runaway heiress protecting her secrets is no match for a destitute viscount resolved to his fate—whatever the cost

Interesting Fact:

The English Lily was inspired from book iii of my Cinderella Series – The Surprising Enchantress, where Lady Esmeralda, Cinderella’s batty-eyed sister is jealous of the prim, very feminine, and definitely normal-fluttering-eyed miss. But Lady Kendra had her own secret, leading to her own story to tell.

 A favorite line:

She was happy to be his guinea pig, so to speak, although referring to herself as a pig of any sort seemed a bit extreme.

 

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Find Kae Elle here:

http://www.kathylwheeler.com

facebook.com/kathylwheeler

twitter: @kathylwheeler

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Heidi Vanlandingham, Trail of Hope, Historical Novella

Can love and hope prevail on a deadly journey?

Interesting Fact:

I love genealogy and have always wanted to know where my ancestors came from, how they lived, and what they believed. What decisions they made that trickled down through time and created who I am today. I’m actually descended from one of Pocahontas’s sisters and my several greats cousin was Nathaniel Pryor who founded Pryor, Oklahoma. His fantastic story inspired my ideas behind Trail of Hope.

A favorite line:

Hunger pains gnawed at the inside of Sophia’s shrunken stomach. And she stunk. Her dirt wore dirt, and it stunk.

 

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Find Heidi here:

Website: http://heidivanlandingham.com/

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/heidi.vanlandingham.author

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HVanlandingham

Email: heidivauthor@icloud.com

 

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 Tamrie Foxtail, Fading Rose, Contemporary Romance Novella

Can a cursed doll and a miracle bring life and love to a dying woman?

Interesting Fact: 

A few years ago my husband was given a year to live unless he received a new kidney. We were seven months into that year when he received the kidney. Also, the parrot is modeled after a friend’s parrot.

A Favorite Line:

“When I called yesterday to ask you out, you could have said ‘I wish I could, but I have to go to dialysis.’ See how simple that would be? Short, sweet and to the point.”

 

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Jessica Ferguson, The Last Daughter, Romantic Suspense Novella

A past more terrifying than she dares to imagine 

Fun Fact: 

I was living in Oklahoma when I learned that the Scrimshaw Doll series was being planned. When I sat down to pull together a proposal for submission, my characters and the house called Wounded Heart, appeared so incredibly real to me, it was as though they were alive and waiting for me to come into their lives to tell their story. Newspapers across the state were filled with stories of abuse so while my tale is dark, and has to do with that very unromantic subject, the theme is forgiveness. Hero Trent Jones and I learned a lot from our heroine, Rayna Guildbeau, and we’re amazed at her capacity to love and forgive.

A favorite line: 

“I know when I start finding clues, or relatives, there’ll be no turning back. My life will be different—for good or for bad.”

 

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Find Jessica Here:

Twitter: @jessyferguson

http://jessyferguson.blogspot.com

http://www.pinterest.com/jessyferguson/

https://www.facebook.com/JessicaRoachFerguson

https://www.facebook.com/jessica.ferguson.3557

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M.J. Schiller Shares What She Knows About Ireland and Her New Release, DAMAGE DONE

Write what you know, they tell me. And you can find pieces of me in all of my books. My marriage proposal? See UPON A MIDNIGHT CLEAR.  That bike jump over the creek my brother did when I was eight? HOMETOWN HEARTACHE, coming next year. And every one of Heath’s ex-girlfriend’s in BETWEEN ROCK AND A HARD PLACE is my bestfriend, Kelly. She also has a prominent role in a few of my other books.  So what parts of me pop up in my newest release, DAMAGE DONE? My trip to Ireland, of course!

In 2003 I was lucky enough to go to Ireland with my big sister, my mom, and her friend, Joanne. We flew into Shannon airport and headed straight to our bed & breakfast. We were exhausted from the flight as even I—who can usually nap anywhere, anytime—was unable to sleep on the plane. The b&b’s owner, who was cutting her husband’s hair in the kitchen when we arrived, shooed us off, warning us that jet lag would “be the death of us” if we so much as closed our eyes. So we were off to Bunratty Castle and Durty Nelley’s, a pub. We had a traditional Irish dinner at the castle and were entertained by Irish dancers. The next day we did the obligatory visit to Blarney Castle and kissed the great stone. (Which is a terrifying experience, for those who haven’t done it. You lie down and bend backward, scootching until your rump is off the castle stone, hanging out in thin air, with no one holding your legs, stories up. I still can’t believe I did it!)

From there we headed to what was to become our home base of sorts, our cottage on the Old Head of Kinsale, where a great deal of the action takes place in DAMAGE DONE. There is a grotto there, as described in the book, and a church and store. Hurley’s which soon became “our pub,” is what Tad McGregor’s pub in the book is based on, although Tad’s place is different in a number of ways. Our hero Michael and heroine Tess run off to Cork together, one of the next stops on our 2003 trip. I used what I could from my memories, and did some research for the rest. Some of the characters’ names are from my own family tree.

Here are some photos from our trip…

IrelandbeautifulwindowsinBunratty IrelandBunrattycastlefromstreet  

       Beautiful windows in Bunratty Castle                                    Bunratty Castle

 

 

 

IrelandDurtyNelly's IrelandHurley's 

                                                                                         Our pub, Hurley’s

IrelandKinsale KinsaleIrelandlighthouseatOldHead Lighthouse on Old Head of KinsaleIrelandourcottageonOldHead Our cottage on the Old Head of Kinsale

Irelandpanoramicscene IrelandpartofBlarneyCastle 

                                                                                Tower near Blarney Castle

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Much of the story is from my own twisted imagination, though.  🙂  I’ve never seen a lighthouse home such as Teddy and Gabby share, and don’t know where that came from. I’ve never made a sand octopus or stolen groceries from the back of a pickup truck. I’ve never even taken a bike ride like Sean and Gabby do, but I’d like to think I captured a taste of what it would be like. From where I stand, a little mishmash of fact and fiction makes for a good story. So here’s a blurb and excerpt from DAMAGE DONE. I hope you enjoy it!

DamageDone_CVR_MED(1)

Blurb ~

When an unhappy youth leaves him damaged, will Teddy Mckee be able to find love?

“Teddy Passmore McKee was born in Cork, Ireland, with a limp and a chip on his shoulder that threw his balance off all the more.” When he falls in love with the dark haired beauty born of an Irish father and a Spanish mother, will Gabrielle Quinn be able to restore his balance? And what about the charming Sean Hennessey? When Gabby catches his eye, too, will Teddy’s playboy best friend cause his own damage?

Fourteen years later, will Teddy and Gabrielle’s son be able to overcome the damage done to him in his childhood?

“Even through bloodshot eyes he could see she was different.”  But can Michael leave behind the bottle, and his womanizing ways, to win over the lovely Tess Flanagan? Tess has sustained some damage of her own. Can she and Michael overcome the terrors of the past and learn how to love each other?

And if they do, will they be able to elude those after them who want to create their own damage?

On the run after an altercation leaves their boss in a pool of blood, will Michael and Tess be able to stay one step ahead of their pursuers? Or is it simply too late to correct the damage that has been done?

 

Excerpt ~

“Tessie…” He offered again. “We have to get out of here.”

She remained frozen in her spot, staring blindly over the cliff. He moved a step closer and gently grasped her elbow. “Tess—”

She whirled around and his heart caught in his chest as he stared into her wild green eyes. Tears shone on her damp cheeks, glimmering in the moonlight like trails of scattered diamonds. “Nay, Michael,” she said, her words coming out choked. “I have to tell them the truth. It’s my fault. …I k-killed him.” She sobbed.

He looked at her sadly, begging her, “Let me help you.”

The back door creaked open and light spilled out from the bar across the grass, startling them. He saw Jimmy Flynn’s outline in the doorway. “They’re out here!” he yelled.

Without waiting for a response, Michael took Tess’s arm and steered her along the cliff’s edge. He stepped over the railing and helped her to the other side as well. They stood on a narrow ledge. To the left a trail dropped off toward the sea. He led her skittering down the path, loose rock pebbling the beach far below. He had taken the pathway many a night when he was drunk and feeling particularly reckless. Tonight he hurried over it with only self-preservation and Tess’s safety in mind.

They heard voices above them, coming from every direction as searchers fanned out along the top of the cliff. Their eyes met. They hardly dared to breathe. A flashlight beam ventured over the railing and along the cliff face. She clutched his hand, squeezing it until he lost feeling in his fingers. He tried to flatten himself even more tightly against the rock face, wishing it would somehow melt and absorb them. Several seconds passed and the beam of light was joined by another, and another, each swinging away, and then toward them again.

He grabbed a quick look at the churning sea below then closed his eyes for a second, and his stomach dropped. He took a deep breath before turning his head to look at Tess. Her eyes were closed and her lips were moving fervently, but she emitted no sound. He swallowed, wondering again why the sight of her affected him so. After several minutes a voice called out, “You won’t get away with this, Mikey.” Had someone seen them? He heard Jimmy Flynn mutter, “Wherever they are, we won’t find them tonight.” One by one the lights disappeared until only a solitary beam shone.

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Author Bio ~

MJ is a lunch lady in the heart of Central Illinois. My gosh! Can you get more folksy than that? She met her husband at the University of Missouri-Columbia and now she has a nineteen-year-old (how did that happen?) and seventeen year old triplets! She loves to read, karaoke (where she can pretend she is a rock star) and spends WAY too much time on Facebook. She grew up in St. Louis and still has family there.

Links ~

You can find M.J. at:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/MJ-Schiller-Romance-Author/286382241460365?ref=hl

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/mjschiller/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mjschiller

Tumblr: http://mjschilz.tumblr.com/

Instagram: http://instagram.com/mjschiller

Google + : https://plus.google.com/u/0/110797684036386240402/posts

You can find DAMAGE DONE at:

Amazon:  http://amzn.com/B00LU7719K

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/damage-done-mj-schiller/1119955011?ean=2940149795697

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/damage-done-1

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id899251690

And for a limited time ~ you can get THE HEART TEACHES BEST, the first book I put out in the REAL ROMANCE COLLECTION, for free! Download your copy here:

You can buy THE HEART TEACHES BEST at:

Amazonhttp://www.amazon.com/HEART-TEACHES-BEST-ROMANCE-COLLECTION-ebook/dp/B00IGAGKXM/

Barnes and Noble : http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-heart-teaches-best-mj-schiller/1118627507?ean=2940148212386

Kobo : http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/the-heart-teaches-best-1

iTunes : https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/heart-teaches-best-real-romance/id825996257?mt=11

 

 

 

 

 

 

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New Release from The Wild Rose Press, plus a Fun Fact

Today I’m featuring a brand new release from The Wild Rose Press. Please check out the book and the exciting trailer. Also, be sure to follow and like Nancy on Twitter and Facebook and visit her on all the other social media sites.

 

Nancy J. Cohen with Warrior Lord, The Drift Lords Series #3, Paranormal/SciFi/Fantasy Romance Novel

A fantasy wedding in Las Vegas turns into a nightmare when contest winner Erika Sherwood realizes she’s married an alien.

Fun Fact:

The author has been to most of the locales in this story. In particular, she used her experiences at a movie studio tour in Los Angeles and at Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen as models for similar scenes in the book. In the Drift Lords series, theme parks and tourist attractions serve a nefarious purpose. Nancy enjoyed reimagining her visits to these various places, but there’s one location in Warrior Lord where the hero goes that she didn’t venture. Lord Magnor, expert swordsman and a Drift Lords warrior, must seek an audience with Hel, ruler of the underworld. There’s only one way to get there and no return trip. He has to use all his skills to survive. How far would you go if the world depended on you?

Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/91cdYSftbmU

WarriorLord_w8513_750

***** The Ebook is ON SALE for half price directly from The Wild Rose Press site, only $3.00

and can be downloaded to your Kindle, Nook, or any Ereader *****

Order at Wild Rose Press: http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=831

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22710040-warrior-lord

Order at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Warrior-Lord-Nancy-J-Cohen/dp/1628304456/

 Follow Nancy Online:

Website:  http://nancyjcohen.com

Blog: http://nancyjcohen.wordpress.com

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

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

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/91508.Nancy_J_Cohen

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/njcohen/

Linked In:  http://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyjcohen

Google Plus: https://google.com/+NancyJCohen

 

Tags: Fantasy, Romance, Adventure

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Elvis Presley – Ramblings of a Lifelong Fan – Part 6 – A Mention or Two in My Books

As I’ve stated previously, nearly each of my published work contains a mention of Elvis, even if only briefly. Below are a few samples from a handful of books…

 

THICKERTHANWATER

Available now, but will be released on August 14th as part of a boxed set with other Tales of the Scrimshaw Doll Stories by other authors

Thicker Than Water – Tales of the Scrimshaw Doll

Jake fell silent and flipped on the radio. “Suspicious Minds” by Elvis was playing. She glanced at him from the corner of her eye. Did he remember how much she liked Elvis? How he’d teased her unmercifully about it? Nothing showed on his face, but he must remember. Or had he shoved every memory of their time together out of his mind?

 

2. Heart of the Witch 12.1.09

Available at Amazon

Heart of the Witch:

Ravyn crossed her arms and leaned back in her chair, purposely keeping her gaze above chest level so she wouldn’t see the way the tool belt slanted across his lean hips. “What do you want to know about me? I make candles and jewelry. I have one sister and a mother. I live alone. No pets. I like long walks in the rain and old music . . . you know, Otis Redding, The Platters, Elvis Presley. Anything else?”

He gave a satisfied smile. “See? Was that so hard? My turn. I work construction, and I have two sisters and two parents. One dog, a golden retriever named Dog. I don’t like long walks anywhere, and I’m not crazy about oldies. Not crazy about Elvis’s music, although the later stuff was pretty good. I like his movies, though.”

 

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Caster’s Unfriendly Ghost (Coming this Fall)

“But one of my foster moms, Della, was different. She was good to me. She loved me. Really loved me. She was an excellent cook, and my favorite thing she made was peach pancakes. We’d sit together in the kitchen in the early morning hours before anyone else was awake, and we’d talk about…everything. She was the first person in my life who made me feel important. Who really seemed to care about me.” She paused. Bittersweet memories assailed her. Della’s comforting hugs. Her special smile. Listening to Elvis Presley music with her and watching her sweet face as she seemed transported to another time. Then, the night her husband came home from the hospital, looking ten years older…

 

Death Notice Cover

 Available at Amazon

Death Notice – Northland Crime Chronicles Book 1

“Suspicious Minds” by Elvis came on the radio and I turned it up, feeling my spirits lift. I had inadvertently become an Elvis fan in college while doing a paper on the impact of celebrities on society. Whether or not one appreciated Elvis’ talent, there was no denying he was a phenomenon, the likes of which had never been seen before and would probably never be seen again. Not only did I find I loved his music, I’d discovered why he had the impact he had. He had this boyish, southern charm, but at the same time, a deeply embedded raw sexuality that was powerful and intoxicating. It was fortunate that he only used that power for entertainment. If he’d been a terrorist or a cult leader, he could have easily taken over the world. I was only six when he died, a few years younger than his daughter. Had I been ten years older, I was certain I’d have been a part of the frenzied, screaming masses, fainting and tossing my panties up on stage.

 

LibertyAwakened

Available at Amazon

Liberty Awakened – Isle of Fangs Book 1

Though the music coming from the party was muted, she recognized an Elvis Presley song, “One Night.” She grinned at Eli. “You like Elvis Presley? Isn’t he a little before your time?”

His lips twitched with amusement and he shrugged. “You might say I’m an old soul.”

 

9. SOUL SEDUCER 6.4.12

Available at Amazon

Soul Seducer (The hero is a Grim Reaper)

He hesitated, clearing his throat before speaking. “I’ve observed a lot of people over the centuries.” He stared past her shoulder. “I remember one time you came out here, your Walkman hanging from your ear. You stood right over there. All by yourself. Dancing.”

A heated flush rose to her face. “You saw that?” She laughed to cover her embarrassment. “I was listening to Elvis Presley music. It made me feel better somehow. I guess that makes me a dork.”

He shook his head. “No. Your goofy dance made you a dork.”

“Hey!” she said with mock indignation. Then she shrugged. “It was kind of goofy.”

“Elvis, though. Not a bad choice. He was a talented guy. Nice guy.”

“You knew him?” A horrifying thought struck her. “Did you…”

“No. No, I didn’t take him. I took someone at one of his concerts. Afterward, I was curious. I followed Elvis around for a few days. I was awed by the effect he had on people. They were so drawn to him.”

“I can see why.” She cocked her head. “I bet you’ve met a lot of famous people. I never really thought about that. You can go anywhere, can’t you?”

 

EndofLonelyStreet_w9180_FINAL

 End of Lonely Street (Coming January 7, 2015)

Mapleton, Tennessee, November, 1957

Toby Lawson closed her eyes and shut out all sounds of the diner, except for Elvis Presley’s voice. He was crooning about how she was the only one for him…no matter where he went or what he did… he’d spend his whole life loving her…

Rough hands landed on her waist and shattered the fantasy. She caught a whiff of hair tonic and too much cologne, and she snapped her eyes open. Wes Markham’s hateful face replaced the image of Elvis’ beautiful, crooked smile and smoldering blue eyes.

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