Sara Daniel Romance Author: January 2016

Monday, January 25, 2016

Chicken Italiano and pasta #recipe from @sloanetaylor2

by Sloane Taylor

This scrumptious meal fills your home with a beautiful aroma that teases your taste buds. Sorry, no photos. My family polishes off this dish before I can snap the camera!

Chicken Italiano
Pasta
Spaghetti Gravy, your favorite brand
Parmesan cheese
Fresh Italian Bread
Dry red wine – Chianti Bella Sera makes a terrific affordable one

Marinade

2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
1 ½ cup white wine
Rosemary – 5 springs fresh or 2 tsp. dried
Oregano – 5 springs fresh or 2 tsp. dried

Combine wine and herbs in a plastic bag or glass bowl. Add chicken. Gently mix to coat chicken well. Marinade for a minimum of 2 hours, but no more than 10 hours, in a cool location.

Chicken
¼ – ½ cup olive oil
2 tbsp. minced onion
2 large cloves garlic, pressed
A few green pepper strips
1 ½ cups chicken broth
Your favorite spaghetti sauce

Heat the olive oil in a 10-12 inche skillet until a light haze forms, sauté onions, then add breasts and brown well.

Add pressed garlic, green pepper and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cover. About every 10 minutes baste chicken with pan juices.

If breasts are thick it will take about 25 minutes. If they’re thin, plan about 20 minutes. Insert tip of sharp knife in breast center to check for doneness. Juices must run clear.

When almost done add a few spoonfuls of spaghetti sauce for color.

Pasta
Fill a large pot with water and follow the package directions to cook, but be sure no more than al dente. If the is done before the chicken, drain them in a colander and set the pot or lid on the top keep them it warm.

REMEMBER: all noodles/pasta can easily be re-warmed by running hot water over them before serving.

Spaghetti Gravy
Pour your favorite sauce into a small pan, then heat on low while you prepare the meal.

To Serve
Arrange cooked pasta in a ring on individual plates. Center breasts, and then ladle a large spoonful of simmering liquid onto breast. Ladle spaghetti sauce onto pasta only. Sprinkle all with Parmesan cheese.

This recipe serves 2
Sloane Taylor is an Award-Winning author with a second passion in her life. She is an avid cook and posts new recipes on her blog http://sloanetaylor.blogspot.com every Wednesday. The recipes are user friendly, meaning easy.

Taylor currently has five explicit romance books released by Toque & Dagger Publishing. Excerpts from her books can be found on her website http://www.sloanetaylor.com, blog http://sloanetaylor.blogspot.com/, and all popular vendors.

Subscribe to Sloane’s newsletter. Connect with Taylor on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

Monday, January 18, 2016

Top 10 Foods to Improve Your Memory #Nutrition #WiccanHaus

Most of us are probably not going to end up with amnesia so severe our memory of the past ten months is completely wiped out as happened to my heroine Gwen in A Bride Worth Fighting For. However, if you’re anything like me, you walk into a room intending to do something, which had to be important since you went there with a purpose. But now you’re standing inside the doorway with no earthly idea what you walked all the way across the house to do.

Or you’re all ready to run some errands…if you could just find where you left your darn car keys. Really, how far away could they have disappeared in the two hours since you last drove the car??? Clearly, it’s time to address the problem. And the problem is not the keys.

Below are ten foods which have been scientifically proven to deliver health benefits to your brain—improving memory, focus and concentration. So, let’s start eating!

1. Blueberries – All berries are good options, but blueberries are the superhero food choice! Blueberries protect the brain from oxidative stress and may reduce the effects of Alzheimer’s, dementia, and premature aging.

2. Salmon – Salmon is high in Omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for brain function.

3. Broccoli – Broccoli has nutrients for healthy blood flow, protection against free radicals, and removes heavy metals that can damage the brain.

4. Beans/Legumes – These excellent sources of complex carbs and fiber provide a steady supply of glucose for the brain without the risks of sugar spikes. They are also packed with folate, a B vitamin critical to brain function.

5. Avocados – Although high in fat, the avocado is a monounsaturated fat, which promotes healthy blood flow to the brain. Their antioxidants protect the brain from free radical damage. They also contain potassium and vitamin K, which protect the brain from the risk of stroke.

6. Pomegranates – Either the seeds or the juice will do, protecting the brain from free radicals with their strong antioxidants.

7. Sunflower Seeds – These, along with other seeds, are packed with protein, omega fatty acids, B vitamins, and tryptophan, which the brain uses to boost mood and combat depression.

8. Whole grains – If you’ve ever bought whole grain bread, the advertising on the package probably shouted that whole grains reduce the risk of heart disease. And if your heart’s healthy, that’s good news for your brain.

9. Almonds and other nuts
– Nuts are extremely good for the brain and nervous system. High levels of vitamin E protect against dementia and cognitive decline by protecting the brain against free radicals and improving brain power.

10. Chocolate – Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, has strong antioxidants and can improve concentration and focus. It also stimulates the production of endorphins, putting you in a good mood.

Now, excuse me while I munch on some chocolate-covered almonds and look for my car keys!


by Sara Daniel

If she remembers the past, they won’t have a future.

Gwen Fairfax awakens in a hospital, deluged by stabbing head pain and unable to remember anything about her past, especially the man who claims to be her fiancé. A trip to the Wiccan Haus is her only hope to discover the woman she used to be, understand her mysterious dreams about a resort, and fall in love with the man she’s supposed to marry.

To stop his stepmother’s land development schemes from ruining the natural habitat he’s dedicated his life to preserving, Tucker Wilde is willing to do anything, even pretend to be engaged to the woman his brother left at the altar. But he isn’t prepared for the sweet, vulnerable woman to tempt him at every turn until he longs to give in to the temptation.

The more Gwen gets to know Tucker, the more she’s certain he’s a man worth remembering. But if the Wiccan Haus heals her memory, he’ll have to fight to keep his bride.

Excerpt:

“This week is for you, Gwen, not me.”

She shook her head as they stepped into the elevator. “It’s for both of us. Just because you’re helping me get my memory back doesn’t mean you should have any less of a vacation.”

If he wasn’t enjoying himself, why would he want to share his life with her? Up until dinner, his complete focus had been on her, but his eyes didn’t shine when he looked at her the way they did when he talked about his conservation efforts.

Just because they were engaged didn’t mean their relationship had been perfect before she’d lost her memory. By paying attention to what he loved, she could strengthen their bond or discover if they were right for each other at all.

As the elevator crawled upward, she glanced at him, unable to believe he wasn’t right for her. Not only was she comfortable with him, their chemistry compounded with every passing moment. The real question was if she fit with him, but she didn’t know herself well enough to answer.

The elevator doors opened, and Tucker placed his palm against her back as they exited. A few steps later, they stopped in front of her room. “This is you,” he said.

“Yeah.” Now what? She had no idea how to wrap up the evening and no past experience to fall back on. “Would you like to come in for a cup of coffee?”

He raised an eyebrow. “Is that a euphemism for something else?”

Oh gosh. She might not have a memory, but she understood what she’d implied. She forced a laugh to cover her embarrassment and deflect the sex offer she definitely wasn’t ready for him to take her up on. “Apparently, you’ve gotten engaged to a clichéd and trite woman. I fell asleep so fast earlier, I didn’t notice if the room had a coffee pot.”

His lips twitched. “I would never get engaged to a cliché. Don’t sell yourself short.”

She rubbed her temples. If he’d been attracted to something unique and special about her, she’d like a clue what that thing might be. She enjoyed getting reacquainted with him, but getting to know herself proved far more unsettling. “Okay, no coffee and no euphemistic coffee. Uh, good night?”

“A goodnight kiss?” he suggested.

She dropped her gaze to his full pink lips. How many times had those lips kissed hers before? She wanted to remember, but she couldn’t handle the intimacy of a full, deep kiss when who she was remained elusive.

Rising on her tiptoes, she brushed her lips over his cheek, scratchy with his customary beard stubble. The touch warmed her, inviting her to linger and explore his face. Instead, she pulled away.

Wiccan Haus Series
ISBN: 978-1-61333-888-9
Length: 32,000 words
Genre: Erotic romance, paranormal romance, contemporary romance, wedding romance, medical romance, drama, amnesia romance

Saturday, January 16, 2016

#MySexySaturday How does a groom's cold feet equal an Amnesia Bride? @WiccanHaus @DecadentPub

My Sexy Saturday: 7 Sentences to kick off A Bride Worth Fighting For

“I don’t.” The groom’s words rang through the church. He strode from the altar, the crunch of his dress shoes on the paper aisle runner like gunshots in the dead silence.

Tucker Wilde stood frozen in front of the congregation. His role was supposed to be simple. Stand straight, keep his mouth shut during the pastor’s blanket call for objections, and hand over the rings at the right moment. Not warm his brother’s cold feet and herd him back into the church.

by Sara Daniel

If she remembers the past, they won’t have a future.

Gwen Fairfax awakens in a hospital, deluged by stabbing head pain and unable to remember anything about her past, especially the man who claims to be her fiancé. A trip to the Wiccan Haus is her only hope to discover the woman she used to be, understand her mysterious dreams about a resort, and fall in love with the man she’s supposed to marry.

To stop his stepmother’s land development schemes from ruining the natural habitat he’s dedicated his life to preserving, Tucker Wilde is willing to do anything, even pretend to be engaged to the woman his brother left at the altar. But he isn’t prepared for the sweet, vulnerable woman to tempt him at every turn until he longs to give in to the temptation.

The more Gwen gets to know Tucker, the more she’s certain he’s a man worth remembering. But if the Wiccan Haus heals her memory, he’ll have to fight to keep his bride.

Wiccan Haus Series
ISBN: 978-1-61333-888-9
Length: 32,000 words
Genre: Erotic romance, paranormal romance, contemporary romance, wedding romance, medical romance, drama, amnesia romance

Friday, January 15, 2016

Amnesia Bride + Best Man = A Bride Worth Fighting For #newrelease @WiccanHaus @DecadentPub

Some of you might recall my excitement a year ago when my “amnesia story” was finally released. You might also recall my confusion and frustration a month later when my publisher folded and the story I love was no longer available. Well, I am over the moon to announce IT’S BACK!!! My amnesia story now has a new publisher, new cover and a new title, A Bride Worth Fighting For.

by Sara Daniel

If she remembers the past, they won’t have a future.

Gwen Fairfax awakens in a hospital, deluged by stabbing head pain and unable to remember anything about her past, especially the man who claims to be her fiancé. A trip to the Wiccan Haus is her only hope to discover the woman she used to be, understand her mysterious dreams about a resort, and fall in love with the man she’s supposed to marry.

To stop his stepmother’s land development schemes from ruining the natural habitat he’s dedicated his life to preserving, Tucker Wilde is willing to do anything, even pretend to be engaged to the woman his brother left at the altar. But he isn’t prepared for the sweet, vulnerable woman to tempt him at every turn until he longs to give in to the temptation.

The more Gwen gets to know Tucker, the more she’s certain he’s a man worth remembering. But if the Wiccan Haus heals her memory, he’ll have to fight to keep his bride.

Excerpt:

“This week is for you, Gwen, not me.”

She shook her head as they stepped into the elevator. “It’s for both of us. Just because you’re helping me get my memory back doesn’t mean you should have any less of a vacation.”

If he wasn’t enjoying himself, why would he want to share his life with her? Up until dinner, his complete focus had been on her, but his eyes didn’t shine when he looked at her the way they did when he talked about his conservation efforts.

Just because they were engaged didn’t mean their relationship had been perfect before she’d lost her memory. By paying attention to what he loved, she could strengthen their bond or discover if they were right for each other at all.

As the elevator crawled upward, she glanced at him, unable to believe he wasn’t right for her. Not only was she comfortable with him, their chemistry compounded with every passing moment. The real question was if she fit with him, but she didn’t know herself well enough to answer.

The elevator doors opened, and Tucker placed his palm against her back as they exited. A few steps later, they stopped in front of her room. “This is you,” he said.

“Yeah.” Now what? She had no idea how to wrap up the evening and no past experience to fall back on. “Would you like to come in for a cup of coffee?”

He raised an eyebrow. “Is that a euphemism for something else?”

Oh gosh. She might not have a memory, but she understood what she’d implied. She forced a laugh to cover her embarrassment and deflect the sex offer she definitely wasn’t ready for him to take her up on. “Apparently, you’ve gotten engaged to a clichéd and trite woman. I fell asleep so fast earlier, I didn’t notice if the room had a coffee pot.”

His lips twitched. “I would never get engaged to a cliché. Don’t sell yourself short.”

She rubbed her temples. If he’d been attracted to something unique and special about her, she’d like a clue what that thing might be. She enjoyed getting reacquainted with him, but getting to know herself proved far more unsettling. “Okay, no coffee and no euphemistic coffee. Uh, good night?”

“A goodnight kiss?” he suggested.

She dropped her gaze to his full pink lips. How many times had those lips kissed hers before? She wanted to remember, but she couldn’t handle the intimacy of a full, deep kiss when who she was remained elusive.

Rising on her tiptoes, she brushed her lips over his cheek, scratchy with his customary beard stubble. The touch warmed her, inviting her to linger and explore his face. Instead, she pulled away.

Wiccan Haus Series
ISBN: 978-1-61333-888-9
Length: 32,000 words
Genre: Erotic romance, paranormal romance, contemporary romance, wedding romance, medical romance, drama, amnesia romance

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Plan your #roadtrip to #Wisconsin! Author @chrispavesic will show you around.

Guest Post by Chris Pavesic

I wanted to share just a few photos from my travels to Brodhead, Wisconsin. This is a wonderful town near where I live with a rich history and a very nice state trail and makes the perfect weekend getaway any time of the year. I think it is important to celebrate our own little corners of the world. There is beauty and history all around. We just have to look for it!

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The Sugar River State Trail follows an abandoned railroad line in south central Wisconsin for 24 miles from New Glarus to Brodhead. The Sugar River Trail headquarters is in the restored 1887 railroad depot in New Glarus. The building is on the National Registry of Historic Places and houses displays of local culture and railroad history.

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When the town was originally settled, a nearby branch of the Sugar River was diverted along a canal to a small hydroelectric generator supplied by a small holding pond. This gave Brodhead the distinction of having electrical service before any other town in Wisconsin.



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The area is known for its lovely gardens. This proper Victorian lady looks over a fall-themed flower garden.






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Victorian-style homes abound in the town, complete with traditional widow's walks.





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The railroad track that runs through the town features a small museum with a train and army tank on display.



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A mural painted in the town celebrates the train's importance to the early development of the area.









I hope that you all are able to get out and enjoy whatever your own areas of the world have to offer.

Cheers!

Chris

Here is a brief introduction to Wonderland, the latest fantasy book by Chris Pavesic. Enjoy!


You may think you know her story.

You don't.


Throughout her life Alice has faced fear and isolation, but she has never given up hope. In the City by the Bay she has one last chance to find happiness; one last chance to find friendship; one last chance to find Wonderland.

Click here to watch the YouTube video.

Read excerpts from all of the books written by Chris Pavesic on Amazon.


Chris Pavesic is a fantasy author who lives in the Midwestern United States and loves Kona coffee, steampunk, fairy tales, and all types of speculative fiction. Between writing projects, Chris can most often be found reading, gaming, gardening, working on an endless list of DIY household projects, or hanging out with friends. Learn more about Chris on her website.

Stay connected on Facebook and Twitter.
Chris

Untitled

About the Author

Chris Pavesic lives in the Midwestern United States and loves Kona coffee, steampunk, fairy tales, and all types of speculative fiction. Between writing projects, Chris can most often be found reading, gaming, gardening, working on an endless list of DIY household projects, or hanging out with friends. She occasionally blogs at www.chrispavesic.com and Tweets @chrispavesic

Monday, January 11, 2016

Homemade Applesauce #recipe from @sloanetaylor2 #FrenchDelight

by Sloane Taylor

Paul D’Laquois, the sexy hero in my short story French Delight, dedicates his life to science and the well-being of man. He understands the need for a greater food supply at reasonable prices and struggles to solve the problem by developing a tasty fruit. Lisette Hugo, the soon-to-be-love of Paul's life, stands by her man and supports him in all his endeavors. But she's no pushover. Lisette requested I send her my homemade applesauce recipe to tide them over in the fruit department until Paul perfects his orchard. I thought I'd share this easy dish with you, too.

Homemade Applesauce
6 large apples cored, peeled, and coarsely sliced*
1 cup sugar
4 tbsp. water
2 tbsp. lemon juice
1½ tbsp. soft butter

Combine all ingredients except butter in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat, cover pot, and simmer 15 – 20 minutes or until apples mash easily with a fork.

Stir in the butter.

Mash with a potato masher. For a smoother texture pour the sauce into a blender or food processor and puree for a minute or so.

Turn into a serving bowl, cover, and refrigerate until ready to serve. This recipe also freezes well.

*Mix it up with a variety of apples to improve the flavor.

Now as for Paul and Lisette, here's a peek into their story.


Fantasy blooms alongside the flora in a garden of wicked delight.

Science is Paul’s life. Close to a major breakthrough, all he wants is to be left alone with his trees and not be forced to entertain a corporate suit. That is until the suit arrives in a sexy sundress. Now all Paul can think about is experimenting on her.

Lisette is less than thrilled to spend a month at a moldering chateau on the French Riviera with only some dried up old scientist for company. However the hot man in dirty jeans tending his scraggly trees proves more of a garden fantasy than the nerd in a lab coat.

Sex and science create a volatile formula resulting in total delight.



EXCERPT
Paul looked at her. A deep, solemn stare. Time froze and all oxygen zapped from her brain.

It took all her energy to compel her brain back into business mode.

“Now let me get those papers for you.” She reluctantly moved away from him to search for her briefcase.

He caught her up in his arms, studying her. Was he searching for permission? She looped an arm around his neck while her other hand rode down his narrow hip, and lower to his firm butt.

He massaged her spine and electric charges shot to the tips of her puckered nipples. The combined aromas of sweet honey and tart wine mingled between them when he opened his mouth and licked his lips.

She closed her eyes and stretched up to taste him.

His lips barely touched hers. The light, tender kiss set her on fire. Not enough. Not near enough. She stepped closer, needing to feel all of him against her. His body heat radiated through his clothes, warming her sensitive places, and a shiver skittered through her. His hard cock pushed against her mons and she inched closer on trembling legs.

He glided his fingertips down her cheek, tracing along her jawbone, before continuing his seductive exploration to her throat. He spread his long fingers and circled her hot skin while his thumb caressed the long column. Dieu, how she loved to have her throat stroked while making love. She tipped her head back, allowing him full access. He lowered his head, his late-night beard scraping against her hot skin, electrifying her. Murmured words blended with equally soft moans as he nipped down to the pulsating hollow at the base of her throat.

A burning trail singed her flesh, following the path of his hand to her décolleté. His gentle touch triggered a whirlwind of sensations that rocked her body. She had never been so alive, so in need of a man.

Her nipples ached to be suckled. Moisture gathered in her throbbing vagina and pooled in her thong. The need to feel him stroke inside her, to ease the incredible pressure between her thighs, forced her to rock against his swollen dick.

She licked his lips before deepening their kiss. He glided her robe down one shoulder. She lowered her arm and the satiny fabric slid off her wrist.

He kissed the corner of her mouth, his hand continuing down her body until he cupped her breast. He gently squeezed her nipple between his thumb and index finger. With each pinch, she bucked against him. The sweet pressure carried her to a new plateau. Her moans filled the room as he rubbed the aching peak against the soft material of his shirt.

Sheer. Delicious. Torture.

She dropped her other arm and the robe parted, allowing the thin cloth to puddle onto the floor.

He slid his finger between her butt cheeks, gliding beneath the silk band of her thong until he reached her sphincter. With slow circling motions, he drew her into another realm of intense desire.
Her legs gave out.

He caught her in his arms and lifted her charged body as if she were a feather. After a languid kiss, he set her onto the kitchen table. She lay back, grateful for the support while he raised her legs, then anchored her bare feet against the tabletop…

BUY LINKS

Amazon
ARe
Barnes & Noble
Smashwords

Award-Winning author Sloane Taylor is a sensual woman who believes humor and sex are healthy aspects of our everyday lives and carries that philosophy into her books. She writes sexually explicit romances that takes you right into the bedroom. Being a true romantic, all her stories have a happy ever after.

Her books are set in Europe where the men are all male and the North American women they encounter are both feminine and strong. They also bring more than lust to their men’s lives.

Taylor was born and raised on the Southside of Chicago. Studly, her mate for life, and Taylor now live in a small home in Indiana and enjoy the change from city life. She is an avid cook and posts new recipes on her blog every Wednesday. The recipes are user friendly, meaning easy.

Taylor currently has seven erotic romance books and one box set released by Toque & Dagger Publishing. Excerpts from these books can be found on her website, blog, and all popular vendors.

Subscribe to her short newsletter. Connect with Taylor on Facebook, Twitter, and <

Thursday, January 7, 2016

7 Secrets about the Mysterious Author Life of Sara Daniel #writerslife #Hello2016 Giveaway Hop

Hello, my name is Sara Daniel, and here are 7 things you should know about me:

1. The five food groups according to Sara are: pasta, tiramisu, cannoli, coffee and wine.

2. My Christmas tree goes up the weekend before Thanksgiving and is down by New Year's Day.

3. Thursdays and Sundays are my laundry days.

4. I like to read a book all in one sitting with no interruptions.

5. My favorite thing to do is sit on the beach and let the waves wash over my feet.

6. I live nowhere near the beach.

7. Long walks in nature keep me sane.

Enter the Rafflecopter to win a copy of my recent release: One Night With His Wife


(1Night Stand - One Night with the Bridal Party #6)

As long as he refuses to accept himself as whole, one night with his wife will be his last.

After a grenade took Marine Luke Cox’s leg and ends his career, he cuts ties with his wife to free her from the burden he’d become. On the day his divorce is to be finalized, he travels to meet a woman for a 1Night Stand date—a woman who doesn’t care about his missing leg or his sudden wealth from a business venture. However, things don’t go as planned, and when he arrives for his date, he’s still legally married.

Rosalind Cox tends to the horses on her cousin’s ranch resort, her love for the animals the only thing keeping her going since her husband turned his back on her. When he appears at her stables, all the longing and rising hope is crushed by the realization he’s only sought her out to gain his freedom.

She’ll give him what he wants, but she can’t resist taking one last kiss for herself. The kiss reopens emotions and attraction that neither can deny. To give in will only complicate the tangle as they try to unwind their lives. But even though Rosalind doesn’t care about Luke’s missing leg or his money, as long as he refuses to accept himself as whole, one night with his wife will be his last.

Buy Links:





Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Loving Again #LesFic #newrelease from @JosephJody76 #GLBT

CONGRATULATIONS, ALICIA JOSEPH, on your amazing NEW RELEASE!

One moment from their past had brought two women together in a way neither could have ever imagined.

Dana Perkins lost her longtime partner in a tragic accident. Although she still struggles with the loss, her profound loneliness is evidence that it is time to move on. She knows her deceased lover, Casey, wouldn't want her living this way. Dana begins her slow process of letting go, removing reminders of Casey from her house, and dating again.

The women she meets leave Dana uninspired and missing her deceased partner even more. Just as she is about to resign herself to the belief that she will never love again, Dana meets Emily Daniels, a married woman who is deeply conflicted over her attraction to women. Soon, the two women form a friendship that leads to deeper emotions. They discover that one moment in their past had brought them together in a way neither woman could have ever imagined. Is that one moment in time enough to let both women follow their hearts, or will they let their past continue to rule their future?

EXCERPT
Dana Perkins leaned against the side of the trolley and watched the landmarks of the city pass by. Her brown eyes traced the contours of the well-appointed, fancy, high-rise condos overlooking Lake Michigan, and the sophisticated architecture lining the city’s downtown streets. Tall, crystalline, and convex—the view was stunning.

She closed her eyes as the cool breeze brushed against her face. She inched closer to her lover and kissed her bare shoulder, tasting the salty sweat on Casey’s skin. Dana drew in the raw scent of her partner’s body, the smell of an entire day spent taking in the sights of a big city.

“You’re not ready to call it a day, are you?” Casey Dawson asked.

Dana groaned

“I guess you are.”

“Baby, what else do you want to do?” Dana stifled a yawn. “We have all day tomorrow. Oh, and we also live an hour from the city. We’re not tourists, honey.”

“But we only see everything when we act like tourists. That’s why I got us a hotel for the weekend. No more saying ‘next time’. We’re seeing it all now. ”

“But, baby, I’m sooo tired.”

“Okay,” Casey said. “You win.” She slung an arm loosely around Dana’s neck and kissed her gently on the lips. “We’ll go back to the hotel.”

As the trolley slowed to a stop, the women walked through the open aisle. The thin fabric of Dana’s khakis stuck to the back of her sweaty leg. Dana realized—too late, as she normally did—that she should have listened to her girlfriend and worn shorts.

Casey skipped down the small steps, onto the sidewalk. Her light blue sundress swayed as she moved. She took Dana’s hand and pulled her lightly down the stairs.

“Come on, you tired old lady. Are your legs gonna make it back to the hotel? Or do you need a motorized scooter?”

Dana smoothed a hand over Casey’s long, blonde ponytail. “I can make going to the room early very agreeable.”

Casey eyed her. “And how would you do that?”

“Trust me. You’ll like where this is going…so stop complaining.” Dana reached for Casey, just as she heard a child’s voice yelling behind her.

“Hot dog! Hot dog!” a little boy’s voice cried out.

But Dana kept her thoughts on Casey. She fantasized being back at the hotel, sliding the thin straps of Casey’s dress down her shoulders, and running her hands over the inside of her bare thighs. Suddenly, Casey whirled from Dana’s fingers.

Dana turned around. Her eyes fought with the sun as she struggled to follow her partner’s sudden actions. Dana heard the boy yell again, and watched as the child chased after a hotdog vendor that was crossing a busy intersection.

Casey was running full-speed after the boy, heading straight into oncoming traffic.

Dana didn’t know which came first—the smell of burning rubber, the sound of screeching tires, or the man in the cab yelling for Casey to get out of the way. Everything seemed to happen in the same moment, but somehow Dana’s unsteady legs made it to the edge of the street where Casey’s body lay.

Dana yelled for help and dropped to her knees. She pulled Casey into her lap, while faintly registering voices—some offering help, and some shouting out to call 911. She cradled the woman she loved in her shaking arms.

Trapped by the crowd of people huddled over her, stealing the air, Dana struggled to breathe. Then the sudden blare of sirens shattered through the chaos, yet her eyes never left Casey’s face, her beautiful face.

“Wake up, baby. Please, wake up,” she cried softly.


The young bride held her dress in one hand, while the other pressed tightly through the arm of the man she’d just married. A few short hours ago she was Emily Bradford, but now she made her way down the steep church steps as Emily Daniels. Emily smiled readily as a cascade of lights flashed before her eyes. Guests lingered at the edge of the steps with cameras in hand and she took it all in. The gorgeous sky hung in the background like a perfect portrait of a nearly cloudless day.

Michael Daniels took Emily by the hand and kissed her while cameras snapped eagerly to capture the tender moment. From a distance, the faint sound of sirens rang out. Emily squinted against the glare of the sun as she searched the street. The blaring noise was headed in their direction. The bride watched as two ambulances, a fire truck, and multiple police cars sped by.

The beauty of their day was temporarily interrupted by someone else’s tragedy.

Emily closed her eyes and made the sign of the cross, something her mother had taught her to do as a small child whenever an emergency vehicle drove by. When it all passed and the streets were once again serene, her new husband gave her hand a squeeze.

“Are you ready?” he asked.

Leaning her body against his strong shoulder, she kissed her groom the way brides did in movies, creating their very own happily-ever-after moment.

“I’m going to love you for the rest of my life,” she said, her voice trembling.

BUY LINKS
Affinity eBook Press - Amazon
Alicia Joseph grew up in Westchester, Illinois. Her first novella, Her Name, was published by Musa Publishing in 2014. Her Name is a sweet, romantic story about a woman who believes the beautiful woman she dreams about is the real love of her life.

Loving Again is her second published novella. Alicia is currently working on a new novel called A Penny on the Tracks, a coming of age story about love and friendship. Alicia has many works-in-progress that she hopes to finish soon.

When she is not writing, the author enjoys volunteering with animals, rooting for her favorite sports teams, and playing “awesome aunt” to her nine nieces and nephews.

Learn more about Alicia Joseph on her blog. Stay connected on Facebook and Twitter.

Monday, January 4, 2016

The Forgotten Path #matureromance @MarciBoudreaux @Emilia_Mancini #StonehillRomance


by Marci Boudreaux

I’m so thrilled that The Forgotten Path is now available! Some of you may know, I not only write contemporary romance as Marci Boudreaux, but I write steaming hot erotica as Emilia Mancini.

This book really was a labor of love. A very long, painful labor…

Most of my books just flow. The stories are there and ready for the telling. Annie’s story was not like that. And it drove me freaking mad!

This story, much like the main character, was stubborn, impossible to move along when it wasn’t ready, but absolutely worth the trouble.

Annie, the heroine, doesn’t much care for emotions. She thinks emotions make her weak…or worse…vulnerable. She’s tough. Strong. Independent. And head over heels in love with her employee.

She would have been perfectly content to keep pretending not to have feelings for him, but Marcus is going to have none of that. He is just what Annie needs—someone just as tough and willing to push her to accept that she is, much to her dismay, human.

Just when Annie and Marcus get on the same page and take the steps needed in order for them to be together without corrupting her moral fiber, tragedy strikes and their love for each other is tested in ways neither of them would have ever imagined.

EXCERPT
He bit his lip. Hard. As if trying to stop himself from saying what he was thinking. “Annie, I’ve been…”

Oh, God, don’t say it, she silently pled.

He tried again. “For the longest time…” He a humorless laugh left him as he let his words trail again. Finally, he met her gaze again. “You’re probably going to fire me, but—”

She shook her head. “I can’t fire you, Marcus. You’re invaluable. Whatever it is, I’m sure you can work it out.” She took a step and tried to squeeze by him. “Just take a few days off or…” Great. Now she was the one who couldn’t finish a thought.

He dropped his hand to her hip, and she closed her eyes. His touch sent volts of electricity shooting through her, lighting every nerve. She wanted nothing more than to lean up and kiss the life right out of the man. For some reason, though, putting herself in a position where she could be sued for sexual harassment didn’t seem like a wise business move. Not that she thought Marcus would ever go that far, but people change. Situations get awkward and out of hand.

It was best to avoid the possibility of things going wrong between them and just ignore how much she wanted him.

“Marcus,” she whispered.

“I have been attracted to you for so long, Annie. I thought I was alone in this,” he said in the same hushed tone, “but lately I’ve started to think…you feel it, too.”

She licked her lips and lowered her face. Shit. He said it. The elephant in the room was out there now and neither could ignore it any longer. “I’m your boss.”

“I know.”

“I can’t. We can’t.”

“I know. But I swear to God, I’m about to lose my mind from wanting you.”

Oh, damn.

Her knees actually went weak, and she leaned back against the doorjamb to stay standing.

“I think about you all the time. I know it’s wrong. But all I can think about is how much I want to kiss you.”

A whimpering moan left her as he closed the distance between them. He stopped a fraction of an inch from her mouth and, goddamn it, the temptation gripped her so hard she could barely breathe.

“Tell me you don’t feel the same,” he whispered. “Tell me to stop. And I will.”

She should. She had to. But the words wouldn’t leave her.

“Tell me to go to hell, Annie.”

BUY LINK

As a teen, Marci Boudreaux skipped over young adult books and jumped right into the world of romance novels. She's never left. Marci lives with her husband, two kiddos, and their numerous pets. Until recently, she was a freelance writer appearing monthly in a variety of local magazines. She now focuses on writing and her work as a content editor.

Romance is her preferred reading and writing genre because nothing feels better than falling in love with someone new and her husband doesn't like when she does that in real life.

Learn more about Marci Boudreaux on her website and blog. Stay connected on Facebook and Twitter.

Friday, January 1, 2016

Visions II: Moons of Saturn #scifi #anthology

I'm happy to introduce you to Tom Olbert, a gifted science fiction/horror author with a devilish sense of humor. Tom and eleven other wonderful authors came together and created an anthology well worth reading. Visions II: Moons of Saturn is available in paperback and e-book.

Ice mining in space, colonization of extraterrestrial moons, war between interplanetary corporations, and time travelers bent on destruction, with mighty Saturn as the backdrop.

The theme, Moons of Saturn, provided inspiration for the creation of widely divergent tales centered about the mysterious planet and its system.

NASA’s Cassini Missions have captured stunning images of Saturn, its mesmerizing Rings of ice and rock, and its 53 officially named moons. These twelve authors present their visions of the Saturn System’s promise, as rich and diverse as the reality of Saturn, its Rings, and moons.

The second book of the Visions Series, this anthology features: Tom Tinney, W.A. Fix, Thaddeus Howze, Ami Hart, Bonnie Milani, Jeremy Lichtman, S.M. Kraftchak, Timothy Paul, Tom Olbert, Amos Parker, R. E. Jones, and Duane Brewster.

• In the depths of an ice mine on Dione, embattled troopers combat alien amoeba in the frigid tunnels.

• Wry humor combines with eccentricity in a tale of time traveling disaster.

• Enemies team up to complete a mission, in an intense tale of revenge.

• Security teams from opposing corporations, battle for possession of lunar mining operations.

The Visions Series tells of our urge to venture outward and to explore the Universe. Visions: Leaving Earth, describes our first faltering steps to rise from Earth’s surface. Visions II: Moons of Saturn confirms that we have left the Earth and are at home in our solar system. Visions III: Inside the Kuiper Belt proclaims humankind’s domination, from the Sun to the outermost reaches of the Kuiper Belt.

Beyond these volumes, we will explore outside our solar system: Deep Space and the Near Stars, Colonizing the Milky Way, and Understanding the Universe. Our vision is limitless.

BUY LINKS Lillicat Publishers - Smashwords - Amazon

Tom Olbert lives in Cambridge, MA, home of Harvard, M.I.T., liberals and wackos. When not writing science fiction and horror or working, Tom volunteers for candidates and causes he cares about, like the environment and civil rights. Tom’s father Stan Olbert was a fighter in the Polish resistance during WWII and later a professor of physics at M.I.T. Tom’s mother, Norma Olbert has self-published Stan Olbert’s life story: “The Boy from Lwow”, now available in paperback. Tom’s sister Elizabeth Olbert is an accomplished artist and now a teacher of art at the University of Maine.

Olbert's fiction has appeared in a number of anthologies, including “In the Bloodstream” by Eden Royce, “Torched” from Nocturnal Press and “Something Wicked Vol. II” from EKhaya.

Tom has a dark, cosmically-themed science fiction/psycho drama novel entitled “Black Goddess” now available at Mocha Memoirs Press in addition to two dark sci-fi shorts “Hellshift” and “Along Came a Spider” also available from Mocha Memoirs Press. He also has a vampire novelette entitled “Desert Flower,” a tragic tale of love, war and eternal darkness set in the midst of the Afghanistan war, available now from Eternal Press.

Learn more about Tom Olbert on his blog Other Dimensions.