Last week was Wild Wicked Weekend and TinkNCognito and I spent some rowdy times drinking, dancing, and receiving dances. There were games, prizes and late night maracas (security may or may not have been called). And we did this with our friends, readers and authors alike.
We love Dick's on the Riverwalk, where Lori King got a table dance from the waiter while a mariachi band played. We enjoyed several drinks with the rest of the Brat Pack in attendance. Lori King just recently released Paw Prints on Her Heart, a stand-alone in the Crawley Creek Ranch. Lori gave us some awesome swag, including a tattoo heart that I wore to accent my, ummm, heart. In this book, Payton Storm served her country with honor until an IED ended her career and scarred her for life. Struggling to overcome PTSD, she agrees to a long-term stay at Crawley Creek Ranch under the care of a PTSD specialist. Single father, Luke Gillian, has been the Montford veterinarian for most of his adult life. In fact, he's barely left the town he grew up in. A ray of sunshine appears in his life with her injured service dog. Could Payton be the change his life needs? You'll have to read to find out!
Most days and nights, I was hanging out with some pretty awesome authors. Laurie Olerich writes Primani stories about Angels who give Black Dagger Brotherhood a run for their money. Elizabeth SaFleur writes The Elite Doms of Washington stories set in Washington, DC, with BDSM elements. She excels at the cute-meet! Victoria Saccenti's Destiny series is about two sisters coming of age against the turmoil of the late 60's/early 70's as they juggle traditional and modern values. Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra is winning her awards for her suspenseful mysteries and émigré short stories. I'm telling you--it was never a dull moment.
Destiny’s Choice, the
exciting, long awaited sequel of Destiny’s Plan, is now available.
Pick up your copy through the following vendors.
Praise for Destiny’s Choice:
“A
riveting tale of a love that is as powerful as it is dangerous.”
– Readers’
Favorite.
No one evades
Fate. Especially when the escape route is cracked and full of holes.
As a naïve young woman, Marité
Muro nearly drowned in a maelstrom of confusing emotions stirred by two very
different men. One whose tortured soul tugged at her heart, another whose
scorching touch made her innocent body want…more.
Four years in a Spanish prep
school gave her time to gain perspective, and now she’s come home to Florida
knowing what she wants. The one man she’s never been able to forget, and she’s
ready to prove their age difference is no obstacle.
Vietnam left scars on Brian
MacKay, some visible, some invisible—and infinitely more dangerous. His war
buddy’s sister-in-law has ripened into a tempting, irresistible woman, but she
is forbidden fruit. Yet she challenges his resolve until, in a moment of weakness,
his demons slip free.
Marité isn’t sure why the man who
held her closer than skin is suddenly holding her at arm’s length, but she
isn’t afraid to fight for him. Even when someone returns from the past who
could destroy everything. Her home. Her family. And Brian’s love.
A sweeping love story across time and land. The social customs of courtship from traditional Spain and Cuba are played out against the free love of 1970's Florida as women are pursued by the men who love them. The focus of the story is Marite', who is loved by two very different men. Both are fighting their own destructive demons. Confused as she awakens the sexual woman inside herself, Marite' must chose between two non-traditional choices. Meanwhile, her cousin Lorrie lives with her boyfriend and her cousin's friend Rafe engages in a traditional courtship for the love of his life. The novel takes the reader on a journey of emotions as love and grief hold their sway. Set during a child's christening, a time celebrating new beginnings, the story also shows how the past impacts the present and the future, raising the question of starting over with a clean slate and of paying penance for absolution. And while Marite' may have made her choice, is it Destiny's choice?
***
Excerpt:
Brian paced like a caged animal from wall to wall. He prowled to the window and stared out into the dark, starless night. After long moments, he resumed the pacing again. Much as Brian had attempted, even prayed for it, neither Morpheus nor any of his dream spirits would grant him rest tonight. He’d questioned the wisdom of this visit from the start, but in the end, despite his reservations, he had caved in. Matthew had piqued his curiosity, or so he convinced himself. Curiosity was just the excuse. He had another more compelling motivation: Marité. She was the beginning and the end of his need. He had to see her again, feel her warmth even for a tiny second, catch a whiff of her scent. Yes, he had welcomed Matthew’s push, and his friend had known he would.
The last time he saw his angel of light, she had been a woman in the making, a breathtaking promise. As she escaped into the night, she had taken his soul. Today, she was the reality and the truth. Beauty in all her splendor and glory. Back in Vietnam, Brian had made fun of Matthew’s love for reading and his fondness for Khalil Gibran. Brian had once called him a sap, which Matthew took in his stride. Careful what you say, you may end up eating your words… As he walked another circle, karma had its revenge. Gibran’s words surfaced in his mind:
She shall come with the spring leaping upon the hills. Yet in truth you spoke not of her but of needs unsatisfied. And beauty is not a need but an ecstasy. It is not a mouth thirsting nor an empty hand stretched forth.
Except he was thirsty. Parched, in fact. Tormented by her nearness, he only had to stretch out his hand…
But rather a heart enflamed and a soul enchanted.
Brian had been mesmerized, enchanted past hope and redemption. His mind argued back like a hated enemy, thrusting Amanda’s crumpled body, a reminder of the terrible past to the forefront, and shoving a mountain of fresh guilt upon his soul.
“No, no,” he protested. “I tried. I offered everything my heart could give. She knew, she said she understood from the beginning. She said it was enough, but she lied, she lied about everything… It was never enough.”
He dropped his body on the mattress, defeated by Amanda’s unwanted resurgence. Would he ever find any peace, any forgiveness? In frustration, he shook his head against the pillow. To the amazement of his anguished spirit, Amanda’s countenance slowly disappeared, overpowered by Marité’s face. Her image intensified from a forbidden vision to a full-body fantasy, a sight he always repressed.
Tonight, he lacked the strength to push it away. She was so close, scant feet away, down the hall from his room. He could still feel the warmth of her skin in his hands. He could envision her golden body stretched out naked on pristine linen sheets, her soft arms reaching out, demanding his embrace, her silky breasts and erect nipples reaching for his touch, her long beautiful legs entwining around his waist, her body urging to be taken… Brian’s soul roiled between the exaltation of spiritual love and the vortex of carnal desire. I shouldn’t, not tonight, not tonight. He was nothing but a sinful, woeful man, overwhelmed by a love and a need he had absolutely no right to pursue and had faithfully resisted. The more he refused and suppressed it, the more his body protested and demanded under the weight of unfulfilled want.
To his utter shame, he faced the final defeat. He allowed himself a rare pleasure: to feel and live in the vision. With her name on his lips, Brian gave his lonely, withering heart the empty solace only his hand could offer…
About the Author
A native of Cuba, Victoria grew up
in the nucleus of the prestigious Alonso family, founders of the National Cuban
Ballet. She acquired a love for books
from her mother, and an insatiable curiosity to see and explore the world from
her father. As a result, she has lived
in several countries and has circled the globe at least twice. From her journeys,
she has gathered an eclectic collection of stories and anecdotes to feed and
inspire her muse. She writes
generational sagas and romances with complex emotional content. The human
condition is her favorite theme, the whims of a capricious Fate her preferred
conflict, and a happy ending despite life’s struggles is the ultimate goal of
her stories.
She is the author of Destiny’s Plan and Destiny’s Choice, books one and two of the Destiny’s Series, and a contributor to The Ultimate Guide to Dorothy Dunnett’s THE GAME OF KINGS, by Laura
Caine Ramsey. She is a full-time
moderator at Outlander Book Club freeforums.org, a member of the Romance
Writers of America, Women’s Fiction Writers Association and the Florida Writers
Association. She’s an avid fan of Dorothy Dunnett’s works, in her rare off
times you will find her rereading any of The Lymond Chronicles or House of
Niccolò books. Central Florida is home, but if she could convince her husband,
she would pack her computer and move to Scotland, a land she adores.
When Raquelita Muro and Matthew Buchanan meet by chance on a Greyhound bus between Texas and Tallahassee, neither suspects Fate is about to take over.
Raquelita, a gentle girl under the heel of her abusive mother, finds this kind young man a miracle. Matthew, an idealistic young soldier, discovers this sweet-natured girl is an angel in need of a guardian. However, the next stop on Matthew’s journey is Fort Benning to report for deployment to Vietnam, while Raquelita’s destination is set at her mother’s whim. Regardless of the forces tearing them apart, they discover a way to secretly span the distance, to end up closer than ever. But Fate is rarely kind. The vagaries of war—and the unstable tempers of Raquelita’s mother—intervene, leaving both ill-fated lovers feeling there is no hope for their love.
Set in the turbulent era of the Vietnam War, Raquelita’s and Matthew’s story is one of love, loss, lost faith, shattered memoires, deferred dreams and broken promises. Will Fate tear apart these two damaged souls, leaving them desperately alone forever, or will they finally overcome Fate, their bond stronger than they ever thought possible?
Review by pearls
5 Stars
My favorite part of this historical romance novel is that it explores so many different types of love. Young love, unrequited love, mature love, free love, familial love. It also explores duty, to your country, your family, your loved one, and to your own self. The Vietnam War, a time of epic social upheaval, is the perfect setting for this exploration as Raquelita and her family are faced with changes, both within and outside their family. Is a chance meeting on a bus part of Destiny's Plan, anMy favorite part of this historical romance novel is that it explores so many different types of love. Young love, unrequited love, mature love, free love, familial love. It also explores duty, to your country, your family, your loved one, and to your own self. The Vietnam War, a time of epic social upheaval, is the perfect setting for this exploration as Raquelita and her family are faced with changes, both within and outside their family. Is a chance meeting on a bus part of Destiny's Plan, and if so, what is that plan? Get swept up in the winds of change as one twist after the other leaves you wondering what the ultimate outcome will be.
Review by TinkNCognito
5 Stars
This is such a terrific coming of age story. Set in the 1960's, it is the story of two young people who meet on the train - Raquelita heading to a new life and Matthew heading to war. It was love at first sight.
It is the story of fate and destiny. Beautifully written, it kept my interest. It showcases an interesting part of our history and tells a wonderfully compelling story.
After months of gentle wooing, Adam and Jake Kendall know their sweet Ginny Rose is on the verge of saying yes to a romance with them. But then her former abuser escapes from jail, and suddenly, all bets are off. Ginny can't reason through the terror that grips her when she learns Deke Walters is free. He threatened to kill her and her son Benny—and Ginny will do anything to keep Benny safe. Adam and Jake assure Ginny that they can keep her and her son safe, but Ginny has had enough of feeling like a victim. Besides, how can she stand tall and behave like a whole woman when deep inside, she knows the wounds she suffered never truly healed? Bold action is required, and Ginny finds her courage, but will that discovery cost her the love of the men she knows she can't live without?
Note: There is no sexual relationship or touching for titillation between or among siblings. ** A Siren Erotic Romance
Victoria Saccenti is donating a signed copy of Destiny's Plan.
One empty bus seat. Two aching hearts. A future written by Fate…
When Raquelita Muro’s overbearing mother rips her and her little sister away from their beloved Papa, one tiny, rebellious corner of Raquelita’s heart is grateful that the bus is crowded, and the only seat left is out of Mama’s sight. Next to a handsome young man.
Michael Buchanan’s beautiful traveling companion is more than something pretty to look at before he ships out for Viet Nam. Deep in her sad, whisky-colored eyes he glimpses a new dream to replace the ones he’s leaving behind. It breaks his heart to leave Raquelita in her tyrannical mother’s hands, but she gifts him with a token of love and a tender promise to exchange letters in secret.
But their first, shy “hello” has reached the ears of Fate. Fate is in the mood to see how far it can push two lonely hearts—to the brink of temptation, desperation, and despair—before they break. Perhaps beyond any hope of healing…
Elle Boon is donating a signed Paperback of Delta Salvation by Elle Boon and any ebook from her indie titles to the winner.
Delta Salvation is the 1st book in the Phantom Force series.
FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION…For Navy SEAL Kai, he takes that vow seriously. Keeping Alexa safe is his number one priority, even if it means his heart is laid bare.
A NAVY SEAL ‘Failure is never an option’ and Kai lives by that SEAL code. He and his team have rescued Alexa not once, but twice, and now he is faced with the biggest challenge of his life. Alexa has come to mean more than she should, but his life is too dangerous for hearts and roses, and she has had too much heartache to settle for anything less.
A DAMSEL IN DISTRESS… Alexa is tired of all of the curveballs life has thrown at her. The final straw comes when she is confronted with a six foot plus man, who could either be her salvation or her downfall. It is up to her to convince her stubborn SEAL that they are worth taking a chance on.
MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE… When Alexa’s past is revealed and she and Kai find out she is not who she thought she was, some of the world’s most wanted come out to play. Can the team keep her alive long enough for her to prove to Kai that what they have is worth fighting for?
Maria Elena Alonso Sierra:E-book - one each of her books : (1) The Coin and (1) The Book of Hours
Andrew Jericho: All three e-books in the Rock Series: "Rock Hard" (Rock Stars 1), "Sex, Love, and Rock 'n' Roll" (Rock Stars 2), and "Flirting with Heaven" (Rock Stars 3)
Amber Daulton: one ebook copy of 'A Hero's Heart'
Paige Tyler: signed paperback of Hungry Like The Wolf
Jessica Lemon: signed paperback Forgotten Promises ARC
HIDING IN FEAR Beth Hildago feels shattered after the time she spent in the hands of the Mexican drug cartel. Now her life is on the line as corrupt authorities try to hunt her down.
FIERCE PROTECTOR Jack Preston is a decorated Navy SEAL whose family’s Texas Ranch is the perfect place for Beth to hide.
ON THE RUN When Beth’s cover is blown, she is once again forced to run. This time Jack is not going to leave her side. But what happens when there is an enemy no one ever expected? Can he keep her safe?
No one evades Fate. Especially when the escape route is cracked and full of holes.
As a naïve young woman, Marité Muro nearly drowned in a maelstrom of confusing emotions stirred by two very different men. One whose tortured soul tugged at her heart, another whose scorching touch made her innocent body want…more.
Four years in a Spanish prep school gave her time to gain perspective, and now she’s come home to Florida knowing what she wants. The one man she’s never been able to forget, and she’s ready to prove their age difference is no obstacle.
Viet Nam left scars on Brian MacKay, some visible, some invisible—and infinitely more dangerous. His war buddy’s little sister has ripened into a tempting, irresistible woman, but she is forbidden fruit. Yet she challenges his resolve until, in a moment of weakness, his demons slip free.
Marité isn’t sure why the man who held her closer than skin is suddenly holding her at arm’s length, but she isn’t afraid to fight for what she wants. Even when someone returns from the past who could destroy everything. Her home. Her family. And Brian’s love.
Excerpt
December 1969
You’re late…you’re late. Where the heck are you? Out of the corner of her eye, Marité Muro scanned the hallway of the chapel. To her mounting frustration, several attendees standing next to a column blocked her view. She could stare forever and accomplish nothing. Neither the people nor the column would move out of her way. Reality does stink. She didn’t have X-ray vision or mental superpowers like the superheroes in her favorite comics and fantasy novels. Her human anatomy had its limitations, and just to reinforce that concept, a painful stab attacked her temples as a multitude of sparks filled her vision. Half-blind, she tangled the tip of her elegant new shoe with the footed base of a nearby massive candleholder, and she nearly flew forward. Mumbling a curse that would’ve shocked her mother, Marité froze in place, waiting for her vision to clear.
Thanks to the futile search, she’d almost made a fool of herself in front of everyone and, worse, had missed key aspects of a ritual she didn’t know well. She should be following the ceremony. Any minute, the spotlight and all eyes would be on her, which meant ignoring the stupid voice that wouldn’t stop nagging in her mind. The incessant taunts had begun as soon as she took her place by the baptismal font: Go ahead. Turn around. Check the crowd, silly girl. How else will you know? Well, screw the voice. She had an important role and should appear focused on the celebration—same as Brian, her partner in the ceremony—or at least pretend.
Still, she couldn’t stop thinking of Michael. Why aren’t you here?
How about a little peek? the voice insisted. Shifting her gaze to the left hallway, she tried again, seeking a body, a shadow, some movement, anything that might indicate her cousin’s arrival. Nope. Nothing. Zip.
You’re going to ruin it if you don’t show up. How could he miss the triple christening when it meant so much to everyone? The entire family had flown in from the Old Country, not to mention friends from all over. Forget the relatives, she had dreamed about this occasion for weeks, had bought this pink chiffon dress and complementary shoes, hoping to regain his attention. She wanted him to see her among adults, doing adult things like a young lady. Maybe then she’d impress the indifference out of him and the uncomfortable disaffection would end. Not so long ago, he would’ve insisted on driving her. He would’ve been full of advice on the ride over. He used to be so protective and supportive, so affectionate, but lately—
The clinking sound of the swaying censer and Father O’Leary’s voice grew louder. He’d moved from infant to infant, performing the sacramental rite: dabbing bits of salt in their mouths, sprinkling the tiny foreheads with holy water, and lastly anointing them with chrism. And now it was Rebecca’s turn, the gorgeous child cradled in her arms. Marité glanced at the beaming parents standing off to her right, Raquel and Matthew Buchanan, her sister and brother-in-law. Dismissing her earlier preoccupation, Marité sent a silent prayer on their behalf for a life full of well-deserved happiness. They’d struggled enough.
Father O’Leary recited the questions to the godparents, and Marité answered in unrehearsed unison with Brian. The sound of his deep voice, full of emotion and self-assured, rang in her ears as spirals of thick church incense wafted around her with its heady scent. A dreamy feeling overcame Marité. Each I do response seemed to roll out of Brian’s lips in slow motion. The words echoed throughout the room, then ricocheted inside her mind in giant swells. A sense of déjà vu transported her to a distant time in a faraway chamber, richly ornate and full of golden lights, nowhere she knew or had seen before… The experience didn’t last; it ended with the last question but left her shivering. She looked Brian’s way.
“Brian?”
He leaned forward. “Lil’ godmother?”
“Forget it. It’s nothing,” she said quickly. Whatever she’d seen, Brian obviously had not. No point in pursuing it further.
Brian MacKay, Matthew’s best friend and ex-war buddy, was the happiest person she’d ever known in all of her fifteen years. His smile could brighten the gloomiest day. In these days of the Vietnam War, men who survived the jungle came home either physically damaged or with broken spirits, sometimes both. Not Brian. His cheerful disposition had carried him through exhausting physical therapy sessions—she’d heard Raquel and Matthew talk—and conquered his wounds. She watched in awed respect as he moved or walked about, displaying his faltering step like a badge of honor and the ever-present cane like a scepter.
Despite the seven-year gap between them, Brian didn’t condescend to her. He treated her as an equal, and she liked that quality best. When she learned Brian had agreed to become Rebecca’s godfather, she’d been overjoyed and honored. The sacrament would not only bind them to the child but to each other, as compadres in a very special lifelong relationship, almost like parents. Her thoughts pivoted to her absent cousin…and yep, she was back to where she’d started.
“What is it?” Brian nudged her arm. “That frown’s ruining your purdy face.”
Marité knew he’d tried to keep his voice down but was also certain folks in the last row heard him. “Shhh,” she whispered, and, suppressing a rising giggle, she bumped him with her shoulder.
Brian jerked up to his full height, snapping two fingers in mock salute. “Yes, ma’am.”
Rebecca must have found their exchange entertaining, because she decided to join the fun. Her rosebud lips puckered, releasing a loud half-raspberry, half-spit bubble.
“Not very ladylike,” Marité murmured. Brian snickered, and the priest shot them both a warning glare.
Her sister, Raquel, heard the sound and flicked a signal to Matthew. As a lighted taper was presented to Marité and Brian, Matthew retrieved Rebecca in exchange, rescuing everyone from the priest’s displeasure. With little Rebecca’s explorations in sound effects successfully silenced, Father O’Leary nodded, and the baptism proceeded in its ordered sequence.
Boom! The sound of a kneeler dropped carelessly on the floor reverberated throughout the chapel like a discharged cannon. Marité tossed poise out the window and turned, peering above and beyond the curious guests to the source of the commotion.
You know how to make an entrance, don’t you?
With hands pressed against the last pew, Michael leaned forward. His shoulder-length hair, falling in the direction of his hands, concealed his features. On her next breath, Marité evaluated the situation in the room: a pale Aunt Coralina directed a wife-to-husband plea for serenity to Uncle Jonas, whose gaze emitted ice-blue fury toward his irreverent son.
An unexpected censuring scoff out of Brian startled her, and Marité pivoted, beginning to feel like a spinning top. The frown of disapproval was a rare departure from Brian’s affable countenance. Confounded by it all, Marité flipped back around just as Michael looked up, tossed back his leonine mane in obvious defiance, and smirked. Ignoring everyone present, he glared at her. A chill ran down Marité’s spine.
Destiny's Plan
by Victoria Saccenti
a Historical Military Romance
about new beginnings
Victoria Saccenti's debut Historical Romance Destiny's Plan, set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, explores young naïve love as a foil to mature love.
When Raquelita Muro and Matthew Buchanan meet by chance on a Greyhound bus between Texas and Tallahassee, neither suspects Fate is about to take over.
Raquelita, a gentle girl under the heel of her abusive mother, finds this kind young man a miracle. Matthew, an idealistic young soldier, discovers this sweet-natured girl is an angel in need of a guardian. However, the next stop on Matthew’s journey is Fort Benning to report for deployment to Vietnam, while Raquelita’s destination is set at her mother’s whim. Regardless of the forces tearing them apart, they discover a way to secretly span the distance, to end up closer than ever. But Fate is rarely kind. The vagaries of war—and the unstable tempers of Raquelita’s mother—intervene, leaving both ill-fated lovers feeling there is no hope for their love.
Set in the turbulent era of the Vietnam War, Raquelita’s and Matthew’s story is one of love, loss, lost faith, shattered memoires, deferred dreams and broken promises. Will Fate tear apart these two damaged souls, leaving them desperately alone forever, or will they finally overcome Fate, their bond stronger than they ever thought possible?
Review by pearls
5 Stars
My favorite part of this historical romance novel is that it explores so many different types of love. Young love, unrequited love, mature love, free love, familial love. It also explores duty, to your country, your family, your loved one, and to your own self. The Vietnam War, a time of epic social upheaval, is the perfect setting for this exploration as Raquelita and her family are faced with changes, both within and outside their family. Is a chance meeting on a bus part of Destiny's Plan, anMy favorite part of this historical romance novel is that it explores so many different types of love. Young love, unrequited love, mature love, free love, familial love. It also explores duty, to your country, your family, your loved one, and to your own self. The Vietnam War, a time of epic social upheaval, is the perfect setting for this exploration as Raquelita and her family are faced with changes, both within and outside their family. Is a chance meeting on a bus part of Destiny's Plan, and if so, what is that plan? Get swept up in the winds of change as one twist after the other leaves you wondering what the ultimate outcome will be.
Review by TinkNCognito
5 Stars
This is such a terrific coming of age story. Set in the 1960's, it is the story of two young people who meet on the train - Raquelita heading to a new life and Matthew heading to war. It was love at first sight.
It is the story of fate and destiny. Beautifully written, it kept my interest. It showcases an interesting part of our history and tells a wonderfully compelling story.
Great first book from a new author.
About the Author
A native of Cuba, Victoria acquired a love for books from her parents and the thirst to see the world from her father. As a result, she has been around the globe, by her count, at least twice. From her journeys, she has gathered a varied collection of stories and anecdotes to inspire her muse. She loves writing generational sagas, and romances with complex, emotional content. In Destiny's Plan, the readers travel from stately San Antonio, to peaceful Central Florida, to the jungles of Vietnam, and to the hectic streets of New York during the turbulent 60's. Victoria is currently writing Book Two of the Destiny's Series.
We will be taking nominations Dec. 2-7 from YOU, the readers. Then on the 8-9th, we will have a run-off vote between the cowboys who received the top 10 most nominations. So be sure to come back each day to nominate.
Each day, we will promos from our Grand Prize packages. Each time you nominate/vote for a cowboy, you get an entry into the random drawing. Come back Dec. 10 to see who won the coveted titled of Hottest Cowboy
The two Grand Prize packages will be offered. Come back each day to re-nominate and to see more information about these books.
Grand Prize A Natalie Alder - an ecopy of Crewel Work Elizabeth Otto - $20 Amazon gift card Sable Hunter - Kindle copies of Texas Wildfire and Texas C.H.A.O.S Victoria Vane - signed paperback: SLOW HAND Randi Alexander - paperback of Jackson: Sons of Dusty Walker Cara Covington - $20 Strandbucks gc Cat Johnson - signed paperbacks: One Night With a Cowboy & Midnight Ride Elle James - signed paperback Heir to Murder Grand Prize B
Tina Donahue - 3 ebooks from backlist of 25 titles Desiree Holt - Naked Cowboys mug & tote, $25 AMZ gc Victoria Saccenti - signed paperback of Destiny's Plan & swag Victoria Vane - 3 signed paperbacks: SLOW HAND, ROUGH RIDER, SHARP SHOOTIN’ COWBOY Donna Michaels - $10 AMZ gc Sahara Roberts - $10 Amazon Gift Card Sabrina York - ecopy from backlist Heather Rainier - an e-copy of Tangled in Divine and a swag bag
Jackson Walker is anxious about spending a whole
week in Red Creek, Kansas with his newly-discovered brothers. Will they be able
to work as a team at the company they inherited from their dad? Can they even
be in the same room together without getting into a dust-up?
What he has no concerns about, however, is the woman
he’s fallen crazy in love with, sexy, quirky computer engineer Rori Hughes. But
that changes when her family comes to town with an offer she can’t refuse.
Jackson is more confused than he’s ever been in his life, including the day
when he’d been just fifteen and learned his father had a wife—who was not
Jackson’s mother.
Rori has major decisions to make, and she can feel
Jackson backing away from her as he finds too many commitments that keep him
away from town and out of her arms. His frequent nightmares concern her, but
even more disturbing is the strange woman in town who has been talking with
Jackson, and going out of her way to avoid Rori.
As fall turns into winter, and the holidays quickly
approach, will Jackson and Rori find a way around their suspicions and
insecurities or will there be separate and heartbroken Christmases for each of
them?
Back in her truck, driving down the alley behind her
store/apartment, Rori concentrated on sorting out the puzzle. A woman? Someone
young enough to be his sister? Who could that have been?
Lights shone from the windows of the apartment above
her store. Jackson was home. The thought made her heart gallop, and her breath
come faster.
She pulled into her parking spot, not seeing Jackson’s
work truck, figuring he’d left it at the office of D. Walker Mineral Company,
across the street and down a few blocks. While everyone knew they were
cohabiting, they still tried to keep their personal comings and goings private.
She looked in the mirror and smoothed her hair,
blinked at the excitement in her eyes, and grabbed her bag of gear and the box
of cheese. In seconds, she was in the back stairwell, running up to see her
cowboy.
The door at the top swung open and he grabbed her as
she reached the landing. “Darlin’.” His low voice reverberated through her.
She dropped the box of cheese and bag of gear as he
pulled her against him. Hot and firm, his body welcomed her home. She ran her
fingers through his dark brown hair, loving how it’d grown a little long and
curled around her knuckles. “Jackson. I missed you.” She looked deep into his
inky-blue eyes.
“I missed you, too. A whole lot.”
He’d missed her? She let out a long, decadent sigh.
In her chest, that lovely ache formed again. How had she gotten so lucky to
have found this perfect, sexy, kind, hunk of man? What did she need to do to
make him happy, and keep him here? The anxious thought cooled her enthusiasm a
little. She couldn’t dwell on that or she’d go crazy.
His hand smoothed along her back and cupped her butt
cheek. “I wish you could come with me more often.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck. Work had been
so busy, she’d needed to put in hours on weekends and evenings. She needed
help, but ironically, didn’t have time to interview anyone. “I will soon.
Things slow down a little in the fall.”
A buzzer went off in the kitchen. “Perfect timing.”
He kissed her and set her loose, walked into the kitchen and opened the oven.
“I made supper.”
She picked up the box of cheese and followed him in.
“You’re the best…roommate I’ve ever had.” She stumbled over the word roommate,
not sure exactly what to call him, not sure exactly what they were to each
other. No matter what the technical term for their situation was, she loved how
he enjoyed cooking. Finally, her oven was being used for something other than
heating a frozen pizza.
Jackson stopped moving and gave her the stink-eye.
“Roommate, huh? Is that all I am to you?” He pulled a pan of some kind of pasta
and red sauce from the oven.
She started unloading the cheese into the dairy
drawer in the refrigerator, feeling unsettled with the direction of the
conversation. “No. You’re one heck of a boss, too.”
He smacked her butt as she giggled. Jackson owned
the company that her business, Cyber Wise, contracted with. “Boss? Roommate?”
He pulled her back against his body and leaned around her, pawing through the
different kinds of cheeses. “Sounds like we need to have a conversation about
our roles in this relationship.” Reaching lower on the door, he took out the
grated Parmesan. “And what kinds of cheese we like.”
She closed the refrigerator door, excitement at his
proclamation—about the relationship roles, not the cheese preferences—making
her heart race. She wouldn’t push him, though. “I couldn’t say no to the
cheese. It’s from a customer. And I dropped off about fifteen pounds with Lexie
already.”
He kissed her neck and stepped back, sliding a
cookie sheet of sliced Italian bread into the oven. “That’s nice of you.”
She remembered what Lexie had told her about the
woman at the motel. Taking a breath, Rori tested the subject. “What time did
you get back to Red Creek?”
“Early. Around nine, I think.” He tasted some of the
pasta, then poured two glasses of red wine.
She accepted a glass from him and leaned back on the
counter. “What did you do all day?”
He shrugged. “The usual. Showed my face at work,
autographed some paperwork on the lines where Abby told me to sign.” Tapping
his glass on hers, he winked. “Boring, but it’s the usual.”
She sipped her wine. No mention of a young woman at
the motel? Was it work-related? Personal? Whatever the lady’s reason for being
in town—and in her cowboy’s truck—was evidently none of Rori’s business. The
thought gave her anxiety a boost. “Okay, I need to change, and take a quick
shower.” She set down her glass and sniffed her shirtsleeve. “I smell like
cheese.”
With a wicked smile, Jackson put his glass on the
counter and pulled the tray of bread from the oven, setting it on top of the
cold burners. “Need some help with that?”
A wild race of desire centered down in her belly.
She held up a hand to stop him and backed out of the room, grinning. “Now, wait
a minute, boss.”
He stalked her, unbuckling his belt and pulling his
shirt out of his jeans. “Boss?”
“Roommate?” She glanced back to make sure she didn’t
run into the wall, and pulled her T-shirt off over her head.
“Let’s call it what it is.” He whipped his shirt off
over his head then dropped his jeans and walked out of them, not missing a
step. “Official cheese-smell remover.”
Randi is giving away a copy of Book 1: Jackson in the Grand Prize basket.
Randi Alexander's BIO:
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Randi
Alexander knows a modern woman dreams of an alpha cowboy who takes the reins,
and guarantees they’re rode hard and put up satisfied.
Published with Cleis Press, Wild Rose Press, and
self-published, Randi writes smokin' hot romance with heroes who'll have you
begging to ride off into the sunset with them. When she's not dreaming of, or
writing about, rugged cowboys, Randi is biking trails along remote rivers,
snorkeling the Gulf of Mexico, or practicing her drumming in hopes of someday
forming a tropical rock-band.
Forever an adventurous spirit with a naughty
imagination, Randi is also family oriented and married to the best guy in the
world, her own cowboy, Kick. Give in to the allure of erotic passion, strong
but vulnerable heroines, and irresistibly seductive cowboys, as Randi's
emotional love stories sweep you off your feet and leave you breathless with
passion.
Saddle up! And prepare yourself for the sexier side
of happily ever after.
With
millions willed to her in an incentive trust, Lissa can get the dough to start
her own country music label when she
meets one of the no-contest clauses. Namely, reach middle age in twenty years,
work in the hated family business for a decade, or marry someone not in the
music biz.
Marriage
it is, at least for a year to satisfy her greedy brother who wants the
inheritance.
Enter
Cass, a hot Texas rancher who dampens Lissa’s panties. With a pile of medical
bills from his brother’s accident, Cass agrees to wed Lissa. She’s sweet to
look at, surprisingly pleasant for an Atlanta debutante, and makes his jeans
feel tight as hell despite their no-sex contract.
Uh-huh.
The devil’s in the details. Longing gazes turn to tender intimacy and wild
nights with pretend feeling all too real.
Damn
shame it may be too late with her brother gunning for them both.
EXCERPT
“Neck hurt?” he asked.
She stopped kneading her aching muscles, but couldn’t lie. “A
little.”
He put down his drink without tasting it. “Lie down. I’ll massage
it.” He went to the bed and pulled away the down comforter.
She regarded the white satin sheets. “Wonder where they get linens
to fit that thing.”
Cass smiled. “Beats me. I’d say the bed’s more for contortionists
than regular people.”
Lissa snickered, grateful they’d broken the tension. “No kidding.”
She padded to the bed. “Should I lie on my belly?”
“Depends where you hurt.” He eased his hand between her hair and
the robe, gently touching her neck with his fingertips. “Here?”
Her legs went watery at the gently pressure of his hand. “Uh-uh.”
“Here?”
Damn. Her shoulder shot up with the pain.
“On your belly,” he said.
Lissa knelt on the bed and fell forward.
“Jesus Christ,” he blurted. “Didn’t that hurt?”
“It’s worse if I bend anything.”
“Does that mean you’re going to have trouble getting back up?”
Lissa wasn’t certain how to answer that so she hedged. “Why?”
“You might have to take off your robe so I can find your neck.”
Groaning, she rolled over, undid the tie, then rolled back onto
her belly. “Can you just pull it off me?”
Cass did, his touch extra gentle, his breathing barely controlled.
“Ready?” he rasped.
For just about everything, even as desire and fear continued to
war within her. She touched the back of her neck. “Here’s where it hurts
worse.”
The mattress jiggled with Cass’ weight, but his touch was
exquisitely light as he brushed her hair to the side, then kneaded her muscles.
A sigh spilled past her lips as he eased away the pain, little by
little. Minutes later, Lissa was finally relaxed. She stretched her arms over
her head, parted her legs widely, and moaned in pleasure.
“Better?” he murmured.
“Much.”
“Good.” He ran his hands over her shoulders and down her arms
until he touched her fingers.
Without thinking, Lissa laced them through his, holding him.
Neither of them moved. Lissa was pretty damn certain they’d both
stopped breathing too.
A sound of raw male need finally poured from Cass. He lowered his
mouth to her neck, his breath skipping across it, his achingly soft lips
pressed to her.
Her toes curled at the hot, wet sweep of his tongue on her skin.
She lost what little resistance she’d had, his kiss warming her inside and out.
After easing his hands from hers, he turned Lissa over and covered
her body with his, capturing her mouth, filling her with his tongue. When he
slipped the strap past her shoulder and down her arm, wanting tore through
Lissa, crashing in waves so fierce, she pushed her fingers through his silky
hair and arched her back, giving herself to him. Her areola puckered in the
room’s coolish air, the tip hardening even more at the brush of his calloused
palm, his fingers squeezing her breast.
A rush of moisture dampened Lissa’s soft folds. Cass’ shaft grew
harder against her, his kiss fiercer. With one hand beneath her head, he held
her still so he could own her mouth. Then he lifted the edge of her gown,
easing it up until he’d exposed her legs and pussy.
Lissa’s thoughts spun out of control at his hand sliding up the
inside of her thigh to her delicate curls. He tugged at them playfully, then
sought her damp entrance, finding her clit.
She gasped at the stunning sensations pulsing through her. Her
body surrendered to pleasure even as her mind began to rebel, desire warring
with fear, good sense battling with need.
Cass teased her nub, generating indescribable sensations as he
deepened their kiss. With his knees, he pushed her legs wider. Her body
responded wantonly, wanting more even as a wish repeated itself in her heart
like a well-loved melody.
If only he loved
her.
He didn’t. This was a deal born of desperate financial need for
him and a soul-deep longing within her—the chance to create something beautiful
in a world that had always seemed so heartless and cold.
Remembering that, Lissa pressed her hands to his chest and pulled
her mouth from his. “Cass, no,” she panted.
He suckled her neck.
“Cass.”
Breathing hard, he finally lifted his head, his gaze unfocused,
thick with lust.
The same that Lissa felt but had to fight, protecting her heart.
“No.”
He blinked as if coming out of a trance, then pulled his hand from
between her thighs, his fingers slick with her moisture, proof of her desire.
He couldn’t have looked more confused.
Lissa didn’t know what to say. Now wasn’t the time to tell him she
didn’t believe in casual sex, not even with her own husband. Laughter bubbled
in her throat while tears stung her eyes.
He stared. “Lissa, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to do anything. I
thought…” Not finishing, he rolled off her and left the bed. He was at the wet
bar, downing a shot of whiskey when she moved past.
“Whoa.” He cuffed her wrist and frowned at the pillow wedged under
her arm. “What do you think you’re doing?”
“Sleeping in the tub. You didn’t do anything wrong,” she added
quickly. “You thought exactly what you should have. This isn’t fair to you.”
Cass shook his head. More of his dark locks spilled loose, grazing
his eyebrows, making her weak with wanting. “You’re not spending the night in
the tub.”
“I have to. You won’t fit in it.”
He laughed. “You’re right, I won’t.” Sobering quickly, he took a
deep breath and spoke on a sigh, “We have a year of this to face, so we sure as
hell better start getting used to it tonight. We’ll both use the bed.” He
grabbed the bottle of vodka and slapped it into her hand. “If I try anything in
my sleep, just hit me over the head with that.”
She threw it to the side. “I’m sorry for what happened. Not
because it happened but because of the circumstances surrounding it. You
deserve better.”
He made a face. “And you don’t?”
“I can handle it.”
He glared. “I can’t?”
“That’s not what I meant. I—”
“It’s okay.” Breathing hard, he cradled the side of her face in
his hand. “Just go to bed. I’ll be there directly.”
She glanced at the wet bar.
“Don’t worry. I’m not going to get drunk.”
“I know. I was thinking about doing that myself.”
He laughed. “God, woman, you’re a handful.”
Her cheeks warmed at his teasing. She murmured, “You’re an
honorable man, Cass.”
He dropped his hand. “Go to bed, please.”
Lissa didn’t move. “Which side of the mattress do you prefer?”
“The middle?”
She laughed. “I’ll take the right if that’s okay.”
“Fine. Whatever you want.”
“No, I want you to be comfortable too. If you prefer something
else, let me know. Do you have a double bed on the ranch? Do you sleep in the
middle of it?”
He rubbed the back of his neck, his biceps bulging with that small
move, the dark hair in his pit peeking out, making Lissa nuts.
She swallowed. “Come on, tell me. How do you usually sleep?”
“In the nude.”
BIO:
I’m an Amazon and international
bestselling author in erotic, paranormal, contemporary and historical romance
for Kensington, Samhain Publishing, Ellora’s Cave, Siren Publishing, Booktrope,
Decadent, Luminosity, and indie. Yay!
Booklist, Publisher’s Weekly,Romantic Times and numerous online sites
have praised my work, and trust me, I’m forever grateful for that. I’ve had my
books reach finals in the EPIC competition, one title was named Book of the
Year at a review site, and others have won awards in RWA-sponsored contests.
I’m actually featured in the 2012 Novel & Short Story Writer’s Market. Talk
about feeling like a freaking star. Before my writing career, I was the editor
of an award–winning Midwestern newspaper and worked in Story Direction for a
Hollywood production company. Outside of being an admitted and unrepentant
chocoholic, I’ve flown a single-engine plane (scary stuff), rewired an old
house using an electricity for dummies book, and have been known to moan like
Meg Ryan in When Harry Met Sally whenever
I’m eating anything Mexican or Italian. Yeah, I like to eat (burp).
You can check me out here – yes, I
am everywhere!J
When Raquelita Muro and Matthew Buchanan
meet by chance on a Greyhound bus between Texas and Tallahassee, neither
suspects Fate is about to take over.
Raquelita, a gentle girl under the heel of her abusive mother, finds this kind
young man a miracle. Matthew and idealistic young soldier, discovers this
sweet-natured girl is an angel in need of a guardian. However, the next
stop on Matthew's journey is Fort Benning to report for deployment to Vietnam,
while Raquelita's destination is set at her mother's whim. Regardless of
the forces tearing them apart, they discover a way to secretly span the
distance, to end up closer than ever. But Fate is rarely kind. The
vagaries of war —and the unstable tempers of Raquelita's mother—intervene,
leaving both ill-fated lovers feeling there is no hope for their love.
Set in the turbulent era of the Vietnam War, Raquelita's and Matthew's story is
one of love, loss, lost faith, shattered memoirs, deferred dreams and broken
promises. Will Fate tear apart these two damaged souls, leaving them
desperately alone forever, or will they finally overcome Fate, their bond
stronger than they ever thought possible?
Goodreads reviews. “My favorite part of this historical romance novel is that it explores so many different types of love. Young love, unrequited love, mature love, free love, familial love. It also explores duty, to your country, your family, your loved one, and to your own self. The Vietnam War, a time of epic social upheaval, is the perfect setting for this exploration as Raquelita and her family are faced with changes, both within and outside their family. Is a chance meeting on a bus part of Destiny's Plan, and if so, what is that plan?
Get swept up in the winds of change as one twist after the other leaves you wondering what the ultimate outcome will be.”
“You will be absorbed into this story on so many levels. The innocent and instant connection between Raquelita and Matthew is as real as anyone that has be blessed with love at first sight and will make believers out of others.
The first novel from the talented Victoria Saccenti Author, transports you to another time, when the country was discovering the awareness of love, life and the world. This story is a definite must have for anyone that appreciates a well-written story, will fully developed characters, riveting story plots, and a romance that your heart and mind will not forget.”
About the Author.
Victoria Saccenti is a world traveler born
in Havana, Cuba. She attended the University of Puerto Rico, and is a
contributor to The Ultimate Guide to Dorothy Dunnett’s THE GAME OF KINGS,
by Laura Caine Ramsey. She is a member of the RWA and AWFA, an active moderator
at the Outlander Book Club (www.outlanderbookclub.freeforums.org),
She lives in Orlando, Florida with her husband, but hopes, one day, to relocate
to the Highlands of Scotland.
Victoria Saccenti writes Women’s Fiction
and Generational Sagas. Her debut novel Destiny’s Plan, takes place
during the 1960’s and the Vietnam War, a turbulent era, when the nation lost
its innocence, and established traditions tumbled under the pressure of
political upheaval and social rebellion. In Destiny’s
Plan, Raquelita and Matthew, two young people from very different
cultures, meet and fall in love at first sight, but the obstacles ahead promise
a difficult journey and Destiny will always have the final word.
