Bella Juarez writes about Real People who are Hanging by a Moment

 Hanging by a Moment

by Bella Juarez

Knights of the Red Horse #1

Decadent's 1 Night Stand series (1NS)

KNOWN FOR HER  MILITARY ROMANCES IN THE BLACK OPS SERIES, BELLA JUAREZ TACKLES REAL PEOPLE LIVING WITH DAILY FEARS AND FASCINATIONS.  SHE STOPPED BY TO TALK ABOUT HER NEW KNIGHTS OF RED HORSE SERIES.

Making it real, but not too real…

Most of my writing has a tendency to be intense and intricate but in the novella, Hanging by a Moment, I had to do something different.  I joked with my wonderful editor Kate Richards when I told her it “It takes me 30,000 words just to get to the first kiss.”  Well maybe it wasn’t a joke…  When I looked at some of my other books and searched for the first physical interaction between my H/h, yeah, it was almost 30K.  I try to immerse you, the reader, into the character’s world.  I want you to believe that at some point you’ve seen that guy or girl or you’ve passed that place and remember it the way I describe.  I also wanted to relate to situations we’ve all been through, an uncomfortable cocktail party or dinner or maybe a once in a lifetime encounter, maybe even your own self-doubt. My characters are real and most of time they’re you and the people you know.  

Doing the unexpected…

I love a good twist.  My characters are older, middle aged, and when you’ve been in a long relationship suddenly finding yourself single,  middle-aged, and on the dating scene,  can be more terrifying than when you were eighteen and inexperienced.   The world can change drastically in the twenty plus years you’ve been married and comfortable.  You know there’ll be an HEA in my books, I love hearing, “I didn’t see that coming.”   In this 1NS my characters never really quite know what they’ll do about the dilemma Madame Eve has placed them in.  Madame, in all her infinite wisdom, knows they’ll eventually find each other but how they do it, I hope, puts a little different spin on your one night stand with Tom and Emily.  

What I love about a one night stand…

Emily and Tom are real people with real lives, fears, and feelings.  I wanted to recapture the excitement of a new romance and make it magic by connecting them together in a unique way.   A one night stand can conjure negative images and when I first started this project that was a question I was asked, “Why are you doing a one night stand story?  It’s not your style.”  No it isn’t my style nor was it Tom and Emily’s but left in the capable hands of Madame Eve; it turns into an enchanting connection that will leave you breathless and hanging by a moment.  **wink**

 BLURB

Can a child’s party be the chance meeting of fate? When Tom Ryan accepts the invitation, he never guessed his life would change forever. Emily Sanchez is a gutsy artist finally starting to get the accolades she deserves for her controversial work. Emily and Tom turn to the 1NS Dating Service to ease the loneliness of their empty personal lives. Life throws dependable Tom and temperamental Emily a curve ball when they meet and discover a sizzling connection with one another. Madame Eve comes through but with the worst possible timing. Will Tom throw away a once in a lifetime chance with a woman who’s reached his grieving heart? Will Emily’s uncertainties make her turn away from a man who can provide stability to her chaotic artist’s soul? Will both reluctantly see through their commitment to Madame Eve’s one night stand? Or will they seize the night and submit to explore a hidden, dark desire that could seal them together forever?

STORY EXCERPT

“What do you think?” Emily slipped her arm into his.

“I love it. It’s my favorite here.”

“Is it?” He caught the mischievous spark in her eyes. Emily was up to no good. He found it amazing how swiftly he could be in tune with a woman who at first blush was his polar opposite. “Interesting….”

He gazed into her big brown eyes. It would be easy to get lost in those warm pools. But she presented a dangerous trap. Lucian was right, and he needed to make a decision about the direction and the type of relationship he wanted with this complicated, intelligent, and charming woman. He could lose his heart to her without realizing what had happened to him. Emily leaned in closer and sensually whispered in his ear, sending a shiver down his spine.

“So tell me, which one are you, Tom? Are you the loving Master, willing to do whatever it takes to tame your wayward slave? To teach her and show her what she’s been missing in her life?” He swallowed hard. Damn what a picture she painted. His cock immediately responded to her words and her touch. He closed his eyes when her lips brushed his earlobe. “Or, are you the submissive slave, bowing to his Mistress, willing to do anything to please her? Will you give her your very soul?”

Tom spun toward Emily. She had his future hanging by a moment with her wicked proposition. Which would he be? Her slave or Master? One thing was for sure, he wanted and needed Emily in his life. In her, his muse had returned. She could give him the passion, color, and creativity he’d believed had withered and eventually died. When his grief dissipated, work had become routine not the passion it once had been. He stared at a new source of inspiration but this muse had a dark side, one that would explore self-imposed taboos. She’d bring things out in him he’d never imagined expressing. She would own his soul, and he’d give it to her, willingly. But unlike his relationship with Karen, there would be no vacillation in power. Tom made his decision and, being as in sync as they were, he conveyed it to her when their eyes met. The understanding that lit up her face reinforced his belief they were meant to be. From the way she drew slightly away from him, he construed she understood him immediately.

“Interesting…very interesting,” she said in a sensual purr.

BUY LINKS

AMAZON     Barnes&Noble

 

Author Bio:

Bella Juarez is originally from San Antonio, Texas and now lives and writes on a small ranch in South Central Texas. She draws inspiration from the real-life heroes and heroines of the United States military and her many experiences in the twelve years she worked within that world as well as from her life in the civilian world. Her love of thrill and adventure is reflected in her stories. When she’s not writing, Bella runs a business and is active in the business community. She also runs half marathons and loves to be in the kitchen whipping up something to feed her hungry boys.

Visit Bella at http://www.bellajuarez.com

Or talk to her on the Inner Goddess Forum at http://innergoddess.freeforums.org/bella-juarez-f178.html

Susan Hayes shares why Kismet Cove is close to her heart

A special message from author Susan Hayes

Hello Inner Goddesses!

Windswept’s launch is one day away, and I am so excited that I’m probably bouncing in my chair as you read this. I love all my books, but the Kismet Cove series holds a special place in my heart for several reasons.

Reason number one, I live just a few hours away from where I based the series. I have taken the liberty of mixing some fictional places in with the real businesses of Tofino, but the town is real, and so is the beauty of the area around it. Seals and surfers play in the waves, and orcas have been known to patrol the beaches right along with them. It is a place of breathtaking beauty and wild Pacific storms. I cannot imagine a more likely place for a colony of shapeshifters to reside, hidden away from humans while living just next door to us.

The second reason is the mythology it’s based on. Selkies are a magical race whose origins can be traced to Scotland, Ireland and even Iceland. They are seal shapeshifters, infamous for seducing lonely wives and stealing away comely girls from their fishing villages. Selkie men are said to be irresistibly handsome and extremely talented lovers, while their women are so beautiful that any man who lived near the sea was forever on the lookout for a selkie pelt so that he might capture one to take as his wife. Selkie myths are full of love, sex and romance. What’s not to like about that?

The final reason I love this series is a personal one. Growing up, my family spent countless hours boating, swimming and exploring the ocean. It was such a part of our lives that my little brother became a commercial diver and fisherman, living in a small community not that different from Tofino. Six years ago, he died suddenly in his sleep, and so I have dedicated this series to his memory. The ocean was his true love, and it is hope that I conveyed a bit of his love for nature and the sea into the characters that live in Kismet Cove.

Windswept is the second book in the series, and tells Vivan, Tucker and Byron’s story. They’re from very different worlds and aren’t even the same species, but nothing worth having comes easy, right?

Blurb:

When Vivian arrives in the small town of Tofino for her best friend’s wedding, her own love life is the last thing on her mind. The winds of fate are changing, and soon she finds herself falling for the sinfully sexy owners of Breakers, the local bar.

Tucker and Byron are selkies, seal shapeshifters from the colony of Kismet Cove. Bound together by blood, the two of them are destined to share a mate. They’ve just about given up hope of fnding her when Vivian turns their world and their hearts upside down.

Before long dark secrets, old wounds, and new enemies conspire against the three lovers. They’ll have to fight to stay together, defying family and tradition along the way.  When trust is broken and forces conspire against them, can their love weather the storm?

Excerpt:

“Miss me?” Tucker’s deep voice sounded from behind her and a bottle of scotch with two fresh appeared in her vision. “I went back for our drinks.”

“My hero.” She took the bottle and glasses from him and then laughed as he walked around and placed another stool in front of her. Instead of sitting in it properly he threw a leg over the seat and sat in it backward, so the back was against his chest and he could fold his arms over the top. “I thought you were coming over to join the party?” She gestured behind him to the bulk of the people gathered.

They’ll come say hi when they want to. I did mention I’m the black sheep, remember? So I thought I’d come keep company with the other unknown element.” He took back one of the glasses from her and then held it out for her to pour. “This time, you can serve me. Anyone asks, just say you work here.”

“You offering me a job?” She poured him a measure and then herself one before setting the bottle down on the nearest flat surface.

“Why, you looking for one?” He cocked that pierced eyebrow at her again and she felt her nipples harden as a wave of lust rolled through her. What was it about him that had her hormones in a tizzy?

“My boss demanded I leave the airport and come back to cover the shop for a week so she could fly to Hawaii at the last minute,” she explained with a shrug. “So I quit. I’ve worked in clubs before, but honestly, I am much better at cutting hair than making drinks or waiting tables.’

“So you’re thinking about staying out here?” He seemed surprised at the idea.

“Maybe. I don’t know. Hell, two days ago I was missing my best friend and booking clients for New Year’s Eve styles and sets. Now I’m on the other side of the country and unemployed. I know Jess would be happy if I stayed, but I have no idea if that’s what I want. Not to mention the fact my bike and stuff are still back in Toronto.”

“If you decide to stay, you won’t have any trouble finding work once the tourist season starts. This whole town fills to overflowing. It’s a big change from the world you grew up in though.” He grinned and his dimple flashed. “You’re more likely to get attacked by a bear than a mugger, for one thing.”

“A bear! There are bears around here?” Jess hadn’t mentioned anything about any damned bears. “Tell me you’re kidding.”

Tucker was laughing and shaking his head. “I’m not kidding. Bears, deer, cougars. Even the occasional wolf. You have landed in the wilds of the west coast. You still think you want to stay here?”

“Who’s staying? And why are you telling her about the bears already, Tucker! Jeeze man, how many times do I have to tell not to traumatize the visitors?” Byron appeared beside them, laughing. “Pay no attention to him. He’s just trying to mess with you. The bears are quite happy to stay out of town, and the deer are only a threat to people who are foolish enough to try and grow a garden. Those things eat everything!”

“Hello again. Are you both out from behind the bar for the night now?” Vivian’s gaze bounced from one to the other, once again amazed that both men were clearly interested in her. Jess had said most of the folks in Kismet Cove were poly, did that mean these two were as well? Wicked thoughts filled her head for a moment and she had to mentally shake herself back to the present.

“I am free for the night. Barring catastrophes, bar fights or kitchen fires, that is.” Byron eyed the glass in her hand. “That’s not tequila.”

“Nope, Tucker found me something better.” She pointed to the bottle of scotch. “Much better.”

“He did, huh?” Byron whistled low when he spotted the brand. “Eighteen-year-old scotch? How did you get him to part with that, slim?”

“I asked nicely.” Viv fluttered her lashes at Byron. “It works wonders.”

“Besides, I’m joining her.” Tucker held up his own glass, still half full. “But you don’t have enough appreciation for good scotch to lay a finger on that bottle. Heathen.”

“Not a problem.” Byron threw up his hands in mock surrender, revealing he already had a drink in his hand. I’m driving home later so I’m sticking to unleaded for the rest of the night. Kitchen is about to bring out some nachos and appetizer platters. I came to warn you that if you’re hungry, you better be prepared to move fast. The locals are all very friendly until you get between them and their food supply, then they get ornery.”

As she hopped off her stool she found herself between them both, with Byron’s hand on the small of her back and Tucker’s resting between her shoulder blades. They escorted back to the main table as several servers appeared, all laden down with food. She could feel her stomach rumbling even if she couldn’t hear it over the music. She decided to throw discretion to the wind and enjoy all the indulgences the night had on offer. Good food, fine scotch, not to mention the attention of two men that she wouldn’t see again once she went home. 
After all, she was on holiday.

Buy Link:  http://www.bookstrand.com/windswept-hayes

You can stalk Susan (or just check out her other books) around the web:

Blog: http://susanhayes.ca,

Twitter: @capricia13

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Susan-Hayes/551945384831723?ref=hl

 

Kismet Cove 1, Riptide

available at BookStrand, 

Amazon, and B&N 

GIVEAWAY

2 WINNERS  ~ Each will receive an ecopy of Windswept from Susan Hayes

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hurricane Crimes crashes into Amazon today!

Hurricane Crimes

by Chrys Fey

a Romantic Suspense

from The Wild Rose Press

Book Links:

Amazon: 

Goodreads:

Blurb:

After her car breaks down, Beth Kennedy is forced to stay in Florida, the target of Hurricane Sabrina. She stocks up supplies, boards up windows, and hunkers down to wait out the storm, but her plan unravels when she witnesses a car accident. Risking her life, she braves the winds to save the driver. Just when she believes they are safe, she finds out the man she saved could possibly be more dangerous than the severe weather.

Donovan Goldwyn only wanted to hide from the police, but the hurricane shoved his car into a tree. Now he's trapped with a beautiful woman while the evidence that can prove his innocence to a brutal crime is out there for anyone to find.

As Hurricane Sabrina wreaks havoc, Beth has no other choice but to trust Donovan to stay alive. But will she survive, or will she become another hurricane crime?

 

Excerpt:

On the television set, which was fighting to stay alive, was breaking news. She caught bits and pieces of it as she emptied the bowl of blood-tainted water and threw out the cloth. It was about a high-speed chase that had occurred about a half-hour ago. Beth shook her head. Apparently, Donovan wasn’t the only idiot driving around during a hurricane.

She went back into the living room and began replacing all the medical supplies into the first-aid kit. Behind her, a reporter was explaining that the driver of the car was believed to be a murder suspect.

“The name of the—”

The lights flashed, prompting Beth to snatch up her flashlight.

“Donovan Goldwyn.”

Her fingers went cold around the plastic tube as ice frosted her veins. She straightened her spine and turned stiffly to the television, her heart wasn’t beating in her chest. On the screen was the picture of the man who was right now changing in her bedroom. Above it was a caption in bold letters that read—SUSPECT.

She gripped the flashlight in her frozen fingers. Her heart thudded fearfully. She stared into the immobilized violet eyes through the glass.

           

“Oh my god,” she gasped.

She had brought a murderer into her home!

 Author Bio:

Chrys Fey is the author of the short stories—The Summer Bride and Fallen. She created the blog Write with Fey to offer aspiring writers advice and inspiration. She lives in Florida where she is ready to battle the next hurricane that comes her way.

 

Author Links:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/chrysfey

Blog: www.writewithfey.blogspot.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/ChrysFey

Google +: www.google.com/+ChrysFey 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/chrysfey

Who needs shades of grey when you have Noah and Skye Blue!

Continuing the Hell Yeah! Series with Book 10
 Skye Blue - Noah's Redemption
by Sable Hunter

RELEASING TODAY ~ NOV. 25TH

Noah McCoy loves his family more than anything, but he has always had trouble seeing anything from anyone else’s point of view. Some might say that Noah is narrow-minded or judgmental, some might call Noah a pain in the......ha! The truth is - Noah only sees black and white, he can’t see shades of grey until Skye makes a home for herself in his heart. Skye Blue colors Noah’s world with a rainbow of love, laughter and a sensuality which takes his breath away. Noah wants Skye in his life and his arms. But Skye has a secret. She doesn’t think Noah will ever understand the decisions she’d been forced to make. But no one should ever underestimate a McCoy. 
When they fall in love, they fall in love forever.

 AMAZON BUY LINK

About the Author

Sable Hunter writes saucy romances. She splits her time between Louisiana and Texas. Her goal as a writer is to make her readers laugh, cry and sweat - in a good way. The world she creates in her books is one where right prevails, love conquers all and holding out for a hero is not an impossible dream.

 

 AMAZON store

Website
Sable's Sweet Dreams BLOG 

Sable's Blog

Twitter: huntersable
Facebook Author Page

Dec. 5 Release: Tinsel My Heart by Christi Barth

TINSEL MY HEART

by Christi Barth

from Carina Press

Book Synopsis

Becca Huntley’s produced the Lyndale Park Player’s over-the-top Christmas pageant for ten years. The beloved Minneapolis tradition is the theatre’s main fundraiser. But this year’s production is almost canceled when their director disappears into rehab at the last minute. Good thing his directing partner steps in to save the day. Except for the minor fact that he hates everything about Christmas.

Jack Whittaker wiped the Twin Cities off his shoe with his graduation tassel and never looked back. But duty compels him to fulfill Tyler’s promise to direct the show. Even though it means working side-by-side with Becca, the girl he always wanted, lost to Ty, but never forgot.

It’ll take more than a few handfuls of tinsel to soften Jack’s heart toward Becca’s favorite holiday. Steamy kisses that melt the snow right off his boots are a step in the right direction. They’ll both discover that Christmas is about making each other's dreams come true. But will doing so destroy their chance at a happily-ever-after together?

  PRE-ORDER on Amazon