Sara Daniel Romance Author: Finally Ever After
Showing posts with label Finally Ever After. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Finally Ever After. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Behind the Scenes with #NewRelease The Bad Boy’s Gift + Giveaway #smalltownromance

The release day for The Bad Boy’s Gift is finally here, and I am so excited and proud. The Bad Boys of Regret Hollow series has been a year in the making, but in many ways, it’s actually been four years in the making and encompasses so many of publishing's unpredictable ups and downs. 

In the spring of 2012, Musa Publishing sent out a submission call for a new imprint called “Finally Ever After,” seeking second-chance romance short stories. Second chance romances between reunited lovers are my favorite stories to write, so I immediately jumped on the opportunity. I quickly had a draft of a story titled Zane’s Art, and I knew I wanted to write a sequel, titled Wyatt’s Guilt. In October 2012, Zane’s Art was published, followed by Wyatt’s Guilt in December. Zane’s Art was largely lost in a frenzy of new book releases, but Wyatt’s Guilt became my bestselling book from Musa Publishing.

The imprint, however, never caught on or had much success, and in early 2015 Musa Publishing closed its doors. I got all the rights back to my books, but instead of immediately putting them up for sale, I waited. The abrupt closing caught me by surprise, and I didn’t have a plan. (I like to have a road map, know what’s going on, and know where I’m going!) I also knew that my writing had improved in the years since I’d written these stories. And finally, I wanted the books to be part of a bigger series, with familiar secondary characters in each book, even as each book could be read as a stand-alone happily-ever-after story.
With these tenants in mind, I created the fictional small town of Regret Hollow, Wisconsin and a unifying theme—bad boys! I transformed and expanded the baseline story from Zane’s Art into Zane and Julianne’s story in The Bad Boy’s Gift. Then I did the same thing for book two, using Wyatt’s Guilt as a base for the Wyatt and Nicole’s story in The Bad Boy’s Guilt.

Also caught up in the Musa closing was a novella I had self-published and then taken to Musa to be part of another imprint. With a huge transformation and expansion, the story formerly known as Haley’s Man became The Bad Boy’s Guarantee. For the fourth book in the series, The Bad Boy’s Goodness, I went completely from scratch, writing a brand new book with two characters who first appear in The Bad Boy’s Gift.

By November of 2015 I had all four stories written and self-edited. I then turned to Kate Richards, my wonderful editor from Decadent Publishing, who also has her own freelance editing company Wizards in Publishing, to help me whip my books into shape. In addition, I turned to the amazing Kim Killion of The Killion Group and Hot Damn Designs to create the beautiful covers. In January, I took my books and my dreams to Danielle Barclay of Barclay Publicity to help me create a launch plan for The Bad Boys of Regret Hollow series.
And now, here I am. I have a plan! All four books are available for pre-order. The Bad Boy’s Gift is live, available now, and only 99₵!

In addition, I have a spectacular giveaway going on with the grand prize of a Kindle Fire, so be sure to enter the Rafflecopter below.


His gift is the only thing left from the love they shared…and she plans to sell it.

Former bad boy, now famous artist, Zane DeMonde laughs off an engraved invitation to return to Regret Hollow, the same town that booted him out fifteen years ago. When he discovers the woman who once broke his heart is putting his professional reputation at risk by selling his old paintings, he’s no longer laughing. He’ll do anything to stop her, even return to town … even put his heart in jeopardy again.

High school art teacher Julianne Truman's last chance to save her beloved art department from budget cuts is to sell the old artwork Zane gifted her. Her heart breaks to remove the final traces of him from her life, but she needs to finally move on from the love she never got over.

Julianne’s life belongs to her students, and Zane’s only goal is to protect his art. But the moment they wrap their arms around each other, their old attraction flares to life hot enough to incinerate them and their best intentions.

Buy Links:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Saturday, August 16, 2014

My Sexy Carriage Ride @MySexySaturday #KissingInTheCar #FinallyEverAfter @MusaPublishing

7 paragraphs from Zane's Art:

“Julianne.” His voice compelled her to turn to him as he took his seat in the car. No one said her name quite like Zane did. “We’re both wondering. Let’s find out and put it behind us.”

He caressed his hand over her cheek, as he leaned across the seat toward her, leaving no question about his intention. His lips touched hers, sweetly, the merest brush of warm soft lips, like she was a canvas he was going to paint.

His mouth was a wonder she couldn’t back away from. She leaned into him, needing more, needing to show him she was his partner in this masterpiece he was creating. She bit lightly on his lip.

His hand slid up her cheek, his fingers combing through her hair and massaging her scalp. He delved his tongue into her mouth. She shifted, desperately wanting to move closer to him.

A car horn blared, and she straightened immediately. She looked around, but the parking lot was empty.

“I believe that was you,” Zane said, with a pointed look at her elbow resting against the steering wheel. His damp, flushed lips curved in amusement.

“Oh.” She turned to face forward and pulled her seatbelt, hoping he wouldn’t notice how much her hands were shaking. Putting that kiss behind her was absolutely impossible as long as he sat next to her.

Buy Links:
Musa Publishing
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Kobo
All Romance eBooks
iTunes

Monday, June 23, 2014

#SecondChance #WesternRomance by @HolleyTrent @MusaPublishing

I'm super-excited to share Holley Trent's new release with you. Back to Storafalt is part of Musa Publishing's Finally Ever After reunion romance line, which Zane's Art and Wyatt's Guilt are also a part of.

He stood her up. Now she's standing out.

The last time Justine Eklund had heard from Gray Voss was when he’d agreed to take her to her sister’s wedding. He stood her up. Twelve years later, he’s back in Wyoming as the new owner of Storafalt’s only pharmacy. He didn’t come alone, though. He brought along the small cowboy town’s best-kept secret—his preteen son, Danny.

Gray wants to pick up where he left off. He never stopped loving the beautiful rabble-rouser, and thinks she’ll fit seamlessly into his little family. Justine yearns to reignite that old torch, but she’s wary. She’s not convinced her high school sweetheart will stick around.

Storafalt’s only school is on a rapid decline, so Gray may have no choice but to return Danny to the life they built in Austin. If he goes, there’s no way Justine can go with them. Unlike Gray, she’s rooted too deeply to leave.

EXCERPT:
“This is casual. Having sex with people you’re not involved with is casual.”

“I’d like us to be involved.”

“Are you on drugs?” She closed her eyes and cringed. Probably a bad joke to make to a pharmacist. “Don’t answer that.”

She finished buttoning her dress.

At that, he finally moved, slowly and sinuously toward his clothes.

She watched as if he were some sort of exotic cat she’d only ever seen in books.

He’d always been gorgeous, but he’d grown into that lankiness he’d had as a young man, and now he looked delightfully athletic. He certainly seemed strong enough, judging by the way he’d picked her up so easily and dropped her onto his desk.

He eyed her, his expression a curiously blank mask as he dressed. “I’m not on drugs, Justine. I meant it. Why couldn’t we pick up where we left off? Give me one good reason.”

Bells chimed at the pharmacy’s front door, and a boyish voice queried, “Dad? You here? I need more money.”

Dad?

Gray’s jaw twitched.

“Dad, huh? Well, there’s a reason.”

BUY LINK

To see all of Holley's books, please click here or here.


Holley Trent is the author of Executive Decision, Mrs. Roth’s Merry Christmas, and Her Resident Jester – all available now from Musa Publishing's Calliope Romance Line.

Learn more about Holley Trent on her blog and follow her on Twitter.

Monday, May 26, 2014

Is it Summer Yet? #bloghop Hot Hero Wars! @MusaPublishing #finallyeverafter

"Is It Summer Yet?" Blog Hop
What could be better than a hot hero for a hot summer day? How about two hot heroes!


Read the blurbs below and let me know whether you think Zane or Wyatt makes the hottest summer hero. I'll pick one random winner and send them their choice of Zane's Art OR Wyatt's Guilt in their preferred e-reader format.

Zane's Art
A high school art teacher must choose between her students and the artist she never stopped loving.

High school art teacher Julianne Truman's last chance to save her beloved art department from budget cuts is to sell the old sketches that her former boyfriend—and now famous artist—Zane DeMonde drew for her. But is she prepared to let go of his artwork and the last traces of him in her life?

Desperate to save his artistic reputation from the exposure of his early works, Zane returns to the home town he wanted to forget. He accuses Julianne of profiting from his success and demands she take his art off the market and cancel the auction.

Their high school attraction flares back to life, forcing Julianne to choose between the students who count on her and the man she never stopped loving.

Wyatt's Guilt
Nicole trusted Wyatt with her heart once. She won’t make the same mistake twice.

Nicole DeMonde’s car breaks down the moment she returns to her hometown for her brother’s wedding. The cop who stops to help her is none other than local hottie Wyatt Truman, who slept with her then dumped her when they were teens. She has no choice but to accept his help. However, she knows better than to trust him with her heart twice.

Wyatt is determined to earn Nicole’s forgiveness and make amends for his callous past. Once he lays eyes on her, he can’t help wanting a lot more than forgiveness, despite his intention never to hurt her again.

Just as Wyatt starts thinking his best intentions are of the forever variety, Nicole decides to work Wyatt out of her system with a one night stand. Can either of them make peace with the past in a single weekend, let alone survive with their hearts intact?

Zane or Wyatt??? Leave a comment with your pick! Don't forget to leave your e-mail address so I have a way to contact you.

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Wyatt puts his testicles on the chopping block! #Backlist @MusaPublishing #FEA

Wyatt’s Guilt occurs over the wedding weekend for Julianne and Zane (who earned their happily ever after in Zane’s Art) and picks up with the story of their siblings. If you have read Zane’s Art, it’s a chance catch a glimpse of their (spoiler alert!) happily-ever-after. If you haven’t read it, no worries. Wyatt’s Guilt is a stand-alone story.


Nicole trusted Wyatt with her heart once. She won’t make the same mistake twice.

Blurb:
Nicole DeMonde’s car breaks down the moment she returns to her hometown for her brother’s wedding. The cop who stops to help her is none other than local hottie Wyatt Truman, who slept with her then dumped her when they were teens. She has no choice but to accept his help. However, she knows better than to trust him with her heart twice.

Wyatt is determined to earn Nicole’s forgiveness and make amends for his callous past. Once he lays eyes on her, he can’t help wanting a lot more than forgiveness, despite his intention never to hurt her again.

Just as Wyatt starts thinking his best intentions are of the forever variety, Nicole decides to work Wyatt out of her system with a one night stand. Can either of them make peace with the past in a single weekend, let alone survive with their hearts intact?

Excerpt:
Wyatt touched Nicole’s arm, trying not to notice her warmth and the electric tingle that shot up his fingertips. “Can I talk to you privately?”

She aimed her blue eyes straight at him. Her gaze proved she knew exactly what he was thinking. “Everything is fine, Wyatt. I never told anyone, and I’m not going to start now. The only person who might have guessed was my mother.”

“I’m sorry about your mother.” He closed his eyes briefly, relieved she had no intention of ruining Julianne’s wedding, embarrassed that the possibility of her doing so even crossed his mind. Nicole had proven she could move beyond the past. For him to do so, he had to start with an apology, preferably where no one in their party would overhear. “Please, come with me.”

He guided her through the backdoor of the restaurant. Stepping to the side of the building, he turned to face her. He should have let go of her arm, but somehow speaking came easier while touching her. “I should have apologized first thing when I saw you this afternoon, but meeting over your car troubles caught me off-guard.”

“You don’t need to apologize. I’m over it.”

He shook his head. She might be willing to let him off easy, but he wasn’t ready to forgive himself. “You still deserve a formal apology. I am sorry, very sorry. I treated you horribly fifteen years ago. You have every right to cut off my balls in front of our families.”

Her gaze shot down to his crotch and back up. “You’re the first guy I’ve met who’s been willing to put his testicles on the chopping block for any reason. As I recall, you treated me fine and gave me exactly what I asked for. Of course, I was so smitten that I took it pretty hard when you decided you’d had enough of me.”

Great. He’d delivered his big apology, and now he felt worse than ever. It would have been easier if she’d vowed never to forgive him. She’d been “smitten”? No apology was strong enough. And yet knowing she’d felt more for him than pure lust warmed his lonely soul.

“The point is I wanted you,” Nicole argued, her shiny black hair swaying emphatically with her words. “I threw myself at you and gave as good as I got.”

She didn’t deserve any of the blame. He refused to allow her to share what he alone was responsible for. “You’re not getting it. I planned to hurt you, and I did.”

“I got my heart broken by following it and making stupid choices. It happens. I grew up. I got over it.” She leaned so close to him that he could see violet flecks in her round blue eyes. “What I can’t understand, Wyatt, is why you didn’t.”


Buy Links:

Friday, September 13, 2013

Friday Friends - Kyle of Leigh Daley's Storm Duty Gets the 3rd Degree from His Lineman

(NOTE: Due to unforeseen circumstances, our scheduled interviewer is unable to attend, so questions for Kyle Mathis will be asked by one of his linemen, Matt Pendleton. We hope it goes okay.)

MATT: Today I get to ask my boss, Kyle Mathis, anything I want.

KYLE: That’s not how this works. Can I get somebody else in here please?

MATT: Nope, you got me. So, Kyle, you are the “hero” of Leigh Daley’s book Storm Duty but I’m in it too. How does it feel to be called a hero?

KYLE: We were all just doing our jobs. Nothing about that day felt heroic, you know that. The tornado that destroyed Milton was a monster. We were just trying to keep people safe and get the lights back on as fast as we could.

MATT: Did you enjoy making us all work sixteen hours a day that week during restoration?

KYLE: Nope because I worked eighteen hours myself. But at least we had enough help to get everybody’s power back on in about five days. We’d still be working if those crews from the rest of the country hadn’t shown up to do storm duty with us.

MATT: Speaking of storm duty, I saw that Jenna Harlow had left her big corner office down south to come help out. I heard you two were spending some “quality time” together at your house that week. So what’s up with that?

KYLE: None of your business.

MATT: Come on. You know you want to talk about her. Stacy said she saw her in the grocery store the other day with a cart full of food. So, is she going to be Mrs. Mathis again?

KYLE: As far as I’m concerned, she never quit being Mrs. Mathis. She just needed to come back home and remember that.

MATT: Finally going to paint that house something other than white now that she’s there?

KYLE: (sighs) Every wall in the house has at least three splotches of paint color on it while she decides which one looks best all day. What is it with women? They want a color on the walls. Well, white is a color. I don’t understand.

MATT: Me either. (pauses to reflect) She looks good.

KYLE: Keep your eyes to yourself. I don’t look at Stacy.

MATT: I’m just saying. Jenna is looking really good these days. And for once you look happy. So, how’s the love life? Pretty good huh?

KYLE: Shut up, Matt. This interview is over. Go back to work.

MATT: There you have it, ladies and gentleman. The love life must be rocking hard to make him blush like that.

KYLE: Shut up. Go back to work.



Their careers drove them apart--could disaster bring them back together?

BLURB:
In the aftermath of a series of tornadoes, Kyle Mathis just wants to guide his linemen to restore power to the devastated town of Milton. When reinforcements in the form of corporate deskjockeys come to work storm duty, he's glad for the extra bodies to help serve food and support the crews working eighteen hour days.

But Kyle is not prepared to face one of the latest arrivals, his ex-wife Jenna. Jenna left him years ago, choosing her career over their marriage. However, being back together in their home town brings back memories and desire--for both Kyle and Jenna.

Can Kyle and Jenna find each other again in the midst of the devastation? Or will their jobs pull them apart and leave not only their homes but their hearts shattered?

To read an excerpt from Storm Duty, please click HERE.

Leigh Daley lives with her husband and kids in the wilds of West Alabama along with her dogs Bruno and Jack. Now on her fourth career, she has spent most of her life writing for other people, but these days she is writing for herself. She eats like a cavewoman, posts crazy fanfic as Arcole, and tries to meet her creative needs by writing romance as Leigh Daley and fantasy as Arley Cole. She’s a really big fan of happily ever after.

Learn more about Leigh Daley on her blog. Stay connected on Facebook.

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Hot Summer Heroes Blog Hop - #TeamZane or #TeamWyatt - Vote for the Hottest!



What could be better than a hot hero for a hot summer day? How about two hot heroes!


Read the blurbs below and let me know whether you think Zane or Wyatt makes the hottest summer hero. I'll pick one random winner and send them their choice of Zane's Art OR Wyatt's Guilt in their preferred e-reader format.

Zane's Art
A high school art teacher must choose between her students and the artist she never stopped loving.

High school art teacher Julianne Truman's last chance to save her beloved art department from budget cuts is to sell the old sketches that her former boyfriend—and now famous artist—Zane DeMonde drew for her. But is she prepared to let go of his artwork and the last traces of him in her life?

Desperate to save his artistic reputation from the exposure of his early works, Zane returns to the home town he wanted to forget. He accuses Julianne of profiting from his success and demands she take his art off the market and cancel the auction.

Their high school attraction flares back to life, forcing Julianne to choose between the students who count on her and the man she never stopped loving.

Wyatt's Guilt
Nicole trusted Wyatt with her heart once. She won’t make the same mistake twice.

Nicole DeMonde’s car breaks down the moment she returns to her hometown for her brother’s wedding. The cop who stops to help her is none other than local hottie Wyatt Truman, who slept with her then dumped her when they were teens. She has no choice but to accept his help. However, she knows better than to trust him with her heart twice.

Wyatt is determined to earn Nicole’s forgiveness and make amends for his callous past. Once he lays eyes on her, he can’t help wanting a lot more than forgiveness, despite his intention never to hurt her again.

Just as Wyatt starts thinking his best intentions are of the forever variety, Nicole decides to work Wyatt out of her system with a one night stand. Can either of them make peace with the past in a single weekend, let alone survive with their hearts intact?

Zane or Wyatt??? Leave a comment with your pick! Don't forget to leave your e-mail address so I have a way to contact you.

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Rites of Spring Blog Hop


For my "first" I am showcasing Zane and Julianne's first kiss in fifteen years from their reunion story, Zane's Art.

A high school art teacher must choose between her students and the artist she never stopped loving.

High school art teacher Julianne Truman's last chance to save her beloved art department from budget cuts is to sell the old sketches that her former boyfriend—and now famous artist—Zane DeMonde drew for her. But is she prepared to let go of his artwork and the last traces of him in her life?

Desperate to save his artistic reputation from the exposure of his early works, Zane returns to the home town he wanted to forget. He accuses Julianne of profiting from his success and demands she take his art off the market and cancel the auction.

Their high school attraction flares back to life, forcing Julianne to choose between the students who count on her and the man she never stopped loving.

First Kiss Excerpt:
Julianne sank into the driver’s seat of her car, hoping for a quick second alone before he sat down next to her and looked at her again. She was an idiot. She was still hot for him after all these years, but he was completely out of her league now. It wasn’t enough that she knew it. He made sure she knew that he knew it too.

“Julianne.” His voice compelled her to turn to him as he took his seat in the car. No one said her name quite like Zane did. “We’re both wondering. Let’s find out and put it behind us.”

He caressed his hand over her cheek, as he leaned across the seat toward her, leaving no question about his intention. His lips touched hers, sweetly, the merest brush of warm soft lips, like she was a canvas he was going to paint.

His mouth was a wonder she couldn’t back away from. She leaned into him, needing more, needing to show him she was his partner in this masterpiece he was creating. She bit lightly on his lip.

His hand slid up her cheek, his fingers combing through her hair and massaging her scalp. He delved his tongue into her mouth. She shifted, desperately wanting to move closer to him.

A car horn blared, and she straightened immediately. She looked around, but the parking lot was empty.

“I believe that was you,” Zane said, with a pointed look at her elbow resting against the steering wheel. His damp, flushed lips curved in amusement.

“Oh.” She turned to face forward and pulled her seatbelt, hoping he wouldn’t notice how much her hands were shaking. Putting that kiss behind her was absolutely impossible as long as he sat next to her.




I will be giving away a copy of Zane's Art to one random person who leaves a comment sharing a favorite "first" of their own and subscribes to my newsletter by entering their email address on the right side of this blog. For extra Brownie points, like my page on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, and follow my blog here. Make sure to include your email address and your preferred file type (Kindle, Nook or pdf) in your comments. Contest is open internationally.

Below is the Rafflecopter entry for the Blog Hop Grand Prize Kindle Fire and Amazon gift card giveaway.
a Rafflecopter giveaway



Friday, January 18, 2013

Happy Endings Giveaway Hop

Once upon a time, there was a girl who loved to write. But she thought being an author was only for special people, not an ordinary girl like her. So, she got a business degree and took an office job, but secretly when no one was looking, she spent every free minute writing the romance stories she loved to read. One day she left the office job to focus on raising her family, but she still spent every free moment writing. Then one day she learned that there were other ordinary people just like her who wanted to write, who called themselves writers, who were even--gasp!--authors. She joined their group and learned everything there was to know until she found she was not so ordinary and that, in fact, she was a very special author.

Thanks for joining me on this blog hop in my "happily ever after" as I celebrate the release of a set of books from Musa Publishing's Finally Ever After series about characters who, like me, also had to wait years to get their happily ever after.



Zane's Art 

A high school art teacher must choose between her students and the artist she never stopped loving.

High school art teacher Julianne Truman's last chance to save her beloved art department from budget cuts is to sell the old sketches that her former boyfriend—and now famous artist—Zane DeMonde drew for her. But is she prepared to let go of his artwork and the last traces of him in her life?

Desperate to save his artistic reputation from the exposure of his early works, Zane returns to the home town he wanted to forget. He accuses Julianne of profiting from his success and demands she take his art off the market and cancel the auction.

Their high school attraction flares back to life, forcing Julianne to choose between the students who count on her and the man she never stopped loving.


Wyatt's Guilt

Nicole trusted Wyatt with her heart once. She won’t make the same mistake twice.

Nicole DeMonde’s car breaks down the moment she returns to her hometown for her brother’s wedding. The cop who stops to help her is none other than local hottie Wyatt Truman, who slept with her then dumped her when they were teens. She has no choice but to accept his help. However, she knows better than to trust him with her heart twice.

Wyatt is determined to earn Nicole’s forgiveness and make amends for his callous past. Once he lays eyes on her, he can’t help wanting a lot more than forgiveness, despite his intention never to hurt her again.

Just as Wyatt starts thinking his best intentions are of the forever variety, Nicole decides to work Wyatt out of her system with a one night stand. Can either of them make peace with the past in a single weekend, let alone survive with their hearts intact?

I will be giving away a copy of Zane's Art to one random person who leaves a comment telling me their personal happy ending story and subscribes to my newsletter by entering their email address on the right side of this blog. For extra Brownie points, like my page on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, follow @ReadingRomances on Twitter, and follow my blog here. Make sure to include your email address and your preferred file type (Kindle, Nook or pdf) in your comments. Contest is open internationally.

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Christmas Wishes Blog Hop


I'm very excited that the Christmas Wishes Blog Hop coincides with the release date for my latest book Wyatt's Guilt. Wyatt's Guilt picks up with the story of the siblings of the hero and heroine from Zane's Art.

Wyatt's Guilt
Nicole trusted Wyatt with her heart once. She won’t make the same mistake twice.

Nicole DeMonde’s car breaks down the moment she returns to her hometown for her brother’s wedding. The cop who stops to help her is none other than local hottie Wyatt Truman, who slept with her then dumped her when they were teens. She has no choice but to accept his help. However, she knows better than to trust him with her heart twice.

Wyatt is determined to earn Nicole’s forgiveness and make amends for his callous past. Once he lays eyes on her, he can’t help wanting a lot more than forgiveness, despite his intention never to hurt her again.

Just as Wyatt starts thinking his best intentions are of the forever variety, Nicole decides to work Wyatt out of her system with a one night stand. Can either of them make peace with the past in a single weekend, let alone survive with their hearts intact?













I will be giving away a copy of  Zane's Art to one random person who leaves a comment telling me their romance Christmas Wish. To be entered to win a copy of Zane's Art, subscribe to my newsletter by entering your email address in the upper right corner of this blog and leave a comment telling me your romance Christmas Wish. For extra Brownie points, like my page on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, and follow my blog here. I'll pick one random winner. Make sure to include your email address and your preferred file type (Kindle, Nook or pdf) in your comments. Contest is open internationally.




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Sunday, October 21, 2012

Zane's Art is Here!


Early this year when Musa posted a submissions call for a series called Finally Ever After, I jumped at the opportunity. The stories were to be short, happily ever romances about lovers who have loved each other and lost.  Now they have a second chance to create the happy ending they didn’t get the first time.

I love characters with a past history, especially in a short word count. They have instant attraction and long-standing unresolved conflict—the perfect elements for a fast-paced, emotion-packed readZane’s Art had all these things coupled with a strong present conflict.  The story flowed out of me so fast I knew it was meant to be!

High school art teacher Julianne Truman's last chance to save her beloved art department from budget cuts is to sell the old sketches that her former boyfriend—and now famous artist—Zane DeMonde drew for her. But is she prepared to let go of his artwork and the last traces of him in her life?

Desperate to save his artistic reputation from the exposure of his early works, Zane returns to the home town he wanted to forget. He accuses Julianne of profiting from his success and demands she take his art off the market and cancel the auction.

Their high school attraction flares back to life, forcing Julianne to choose between the students who count on her and the man she never stopped loving.

Excerpt:
“Cancel the auction.”

Julianne Truman’s head snapped around at the hard male voice. The stapler fell from her hand and cracked open on the floor, as she caught sight of the extraordinary face that went with the voice. Her knees shook as she climbed down the ladder. She hadn’t faced Zane DeMonde in nearly fifteen years. At one time she’d believed he’d be part of every single day of her future.

“Zane, I didn’t expect you to come.” She stepped toward him. His black hair was a little shorter than the last time she’d seen him, but at shoulder length it was still far longer than most men’s. Gone were the black hoodie and ripped jeans of his youth. Now he wore chinos and a sharply pressed blue button-down shirt, open at the neck.

The dark storms in his cobalt blue eyes were exactly the same as the day he’d walked away from her. “Cancel the auction. The sketches and painting are not for sale.”

She swallowed. “I own them. If I choose to sell them, that’s my business.” And it was breaking her heart to part with the only piece of him that she’d been able to hang onto all these years.

“When they have my name on them and you’re getting rich off me, it’s my business.”

Getting rich was so far from the truth Julianne would have laughed if her chest weren’t so tight. “It’s an honor to have you back in town.” At least her students would think so. Her brother would likely burst an artery. And she—well, she couldn’t even begin to process the mix of emotions she was feeling. “Do you have a minute to talk? I can explain what’s going on.”

“I know what’s going on.”

She hoped he couldn’t hear how hard her heart was hammering or sense how desperately she longed to wrap her arms around him and pick up where they left off fifteen years ago, as if he’d never left her. “Then you know that the arts are at the bottom of the school district’s priority list. To have supplies for the classroom, to restore the school mural, to give my students a chance to explore different mediums, the art program needs an alternate source of funding.”

“You’re the Dentonville High art teacher?”

She couldn’t help feeling defensive at his derisive tone. “Yes, and I love my job.”

“Do you? Or have you never moved beyond your high school life?”

Zane's Art is currently available from Musa PublishingAmazon, Barnes and Noble and All Romance eBooks.

Sunday, August 5, 2012

Summer Vacation


Wonder why I've been neglecting this blog for two whole weeks?  I spent my summer vacation at the Wiccan Haus. Don't believe me? Look at these stunning pictures. Okay, I admit, they're not from the Wiccan Haus, that magical island only accessible by ferry boat. But they are from an island. It is only accessible by ferry boat. And I came back amazingly refreshed and relaxed.

I had the pleasure of visiting Mackinac Island this summer. The picture on the left is the natural feature Arch Rock. Below is the coast with its crystal clear water and beautiful colors. I have been staring at these pictures ever since I returned, mostly because I couldn't stay and stare at them in person nearly as long as I wanted to!

I admit I have Wiccan Haus on the brain. For the parts  of the summer when I wasn't hanging out with my toes in the water or mesmerized by the beautiful scenery, I was immersed in the Wiccan Haus world. My next Wiccan Haus book Psychic Lies will come out on October 26th.

But you don't have to wait that long for a book from me. My first Finally Ever After short story Zane's Art (also from Musa Publishing) will come out the week before on October 19th.

My huge news of the summer: I have signed with Entangled Publishing. They are launching their Bliss Imprint on August 25th. My novel (tentatively titled) Construction Beauty Queen will be released on September 25th as part of their line. I am so excited. This story is very close to my heart, and I promise to have more details soon!

Finally, my first upcoming release on September 15th is More Than A Fantasy, a one night stand short story that is part of Decadent Publishing's 1Night Stand series. I have an amazing, sexy cover that I will unveil tomorrow.  Stay tuned!