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Category: Beverley Bateman

 

Fall is officially here. Leaves are changing color, weather is cooling down and it’s leaf scuffling time.

In Canada we have Thanksgiving coming up the second Monday of the month. It has been an official holiday since November 5, 1879. It celebrated the harvest and other blessings of the past year.

According to Wikipedia on January 31, 1957, the Governor General of Canada issued a proclamation stating: "A Day of General Thanksgiving to Almighty God for the bountiful harvest with which Canada has been blessed – to be observed on the second Monday in October."

Thanksgiving corresponds to the British and continental European harvest festival with churches decorated with cornucopias, pumpkins, corn, wheat sheaves, and other harvest bounty. British and European harvest hymns are sung on the Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend.

While the actual Thanksgiving holiday is on a Monday, Canadians may gather for their Thanksgiving feast on any day during the long weekend; however, Sunday is considered the most common. Foods traditionally served at a Canadian Thanksgiving may include roasted or barbeques turkey, ham, stuffing, sausage meat, mashed potatoes, yams, gravy, cranberry sauce, corn, various autumn vegetables (including squashes and Brussels sprouts), and pumpkin pie. Various regional dishes and desserts may also be served, including salmon, wild game, butter tarts and Nanaimo bars.

The Canadian Football League usually holds a nationally televised doubleheader, the Thanksgiving Day Classic.

Many communities in Canada hold events in the week prior to, and/or on the day of the holiday. It could include a parade consisting of floats, civic figures in the region, local performance troupes and marching bands.

I’m still plugging slowly along at my editing, but I have difficulty concentrating. My muse has apparently taken a long vacation or is staying safe from Covid. It’s on the increase in my area and all over. We have the highest number of active cases since the pandemic began. 


 

 


Here’s an excerpt from Witness to Murder.

Excerpt from Murder Off-Leash.

Jerking the steering wheel sharply to the right, Mitch pulled the car into the service station, stopping at a pump one over and the pump behind her. He stayed in his car, attempting to slide his large frame down into the seat, pulling his Yankees baseball cap over his eyes.

“Fill’er up,” he mumbled to the attendant. “Oil’s fine.”

The attendant, a pimply-faced kid in his teens, removed the lid from the gas tank, cautiously eying the large dog lying in the back seat as he filled the tank. The dog raised his head and let out one bark. The attendant jumped back, spilling the gas. “Jeez.”

“Don’t worry He doesn’t bite.” At least I don’t think he bites...maybe I should buy a muzzle just in case, Mitch thought to himself. He had no idea why he had that dog in his back seat. He didn’t even like dogs, hadn’t since he’d been bitten by that damned Doberman. He had overcome the fear when he’d joined the force, but he still didn’t like the damn animals.

He turned and looked at the large sad brown eyes, as the dog lay slobbering all over his seat. “It’s okay, boy. It’ll get better. It can’t get much worse.”

Mitch paid the attendant, then shifted the gears of his older model, slightly rusted, dark blue Chevrolet. The car looked more like an old family sedan, but he’d had the engine rebuilt under that slightly rusted hood. It could take almost any damn car on the road. Every once in awhile some hotshot teenager would rev his engine as he pulled up beside him at a stop light, challenging him to a race, laughing at his heap. Mitch always enjoyed the shocked look on the kid’s face when he left him behind, eating his dust.

He eased the car forward, pulling out of the service station and moving to a spot on the street where he could watch her in his rear view mirror. She and the kid had gone inside the convenience store.

Mitch reached into the brown grocery bag on the seat beside him. Just in case she didn’t stop, he’d picked up enough junk food to last for a couple of days, including dry dog food and a couple of jugs of water. He’d also managed a stop at one of the fast-food drive-thrus along the highway, when she and the kid stopped for lunch. The fries were cold, but still not too bad. He bit into another hard, cold, greasy one, and waited for her next move. He could sure use a cold beer about now. He should have picked up a six-pack. He scratched his chin, then rubbed his hand up his cheek. He needed a shave. Like that was going to happen.

The whining started in the back seat. Then the shaggy head appeared, resting on the top of the passenger’s seat, leaning over Mitch’s shoulder. Mitch grabbed a hand full of dry dog food and dumped it on the back seat. He’d have to get the damn car vacuumed one of these days.

The dog slid back down on to the seat, munching away on the dry food. He appeared to be in mourning if dogs did mourn. Most of the time he just kind of lay there on the seat, whining occasionally. He hardly even barked anymore.


Beverley Bateman Blogger

This month, I’m only doing my Group Blog on October 15th   at https://beverleybateman.blogspot.com/  

Please follow me on my blog Tuesday and Thursday and the third Saturday at https://beverleybateman.blogspot.com/ for writing tips, hints, and guest authors. I have a great group of authors and their new books this month. And post your thoughts on the blog post, or anything else you have on your mind. 

Enjoy the fall and happy Halloween!

 

My “day job” is as a professor at a small New England liberal arts college. My scholarly work centers around social contexts within which children learn and I am the author of three works of nonfiction. My current research examines the impact of mindfulness on readers and writers, work that brings me tremendous joy and satisfaction.  I live  on a beautiful river. When not teaching or writing, my passions revolve around family, yoga, swimming, walking, canoeing, and teaching mindfulness to people of all ages.

Beverley: Which genre or genres do you write or prefer to write?   And why?

M. Lee: Contemporary romance, mysteries, women’s fiction and young adult historical fiction.

I write what I love. I was fortunate to grow up in an incredible, loving family. The romances all revolve around loving families and communities, reflecting so much that I cherish. I love to read mysteries so my two mystery series sprung from my love of the genre and the fun of figuring out “whodunnit.” Same thrill, different process. My other books have come from interests and passions over the years.

Beverley: Who influenced you the most in deciding to become a writer?

M. Lee: Oh gee—that’s hard to answer. My love of reading was definitely instilled by my parents, but all the hundreds of amazing authors I’ve encountered have certainly influenced me. College professors certainly encouraged my developing writer’s voice. Then a “push” came from a writers’ group of teachers. We formed to explore our own writing process so that we could bring that excitement to our work with young students. I found I loved writing and have never stopped.

Beverley: What gets your creative juices flowing?

M. Lee: Reading and experiencing life! I get ideas everywhere.

Beverley: Do you have a favorite cartoon character? Why?

M. Lee: Little Lucy (now I’m dating myself).

M. Lee: S he was a plucky little gal and I saw myself in some of her antics.

Beverley: Who would you love most to meet ‘in person’ and why?

M. Lee: Ruth Fishel, a treasured spiritual teacher and writer. I’ve been reading and rereading her wonderful little book, Wrinkles Don’t Hurt: Daily Meditations on the Joy of Aging Mindfully for eight years and its teachings never grow old.  

Beverley: If you had an unexpected free day what would you do with it?

M. Lee: Read, write, take a long walk, have lunch with a dear friend, spend time with family.

Beverley: What are you working on now?

M. Lee: Lady Love , number five in the Ricky Steele mystery series and a holiday romance set in Horseshoe Crab Cove, number seven in the Morgan’s Fire series, as yet untitled. 

2020 Character Interview:

Beverley: What’s your name?

Maggie: Maggie Williams

Beverley: Where did you grow up?

Maggie: Saguaro Valley, AZ

Beverley: During what time period does your story take place?

Maggie: Present day

Beverley: What’s your story/back story?

Maggie: I was raised by my dad, Ned Williams, a veterinarian and Saguaro Valley’s most famous wrangler. The summer after my senior year I had an amazing one-night stand with Ben Morgan, the oldest son of Ben and Leonora Morgan, the Valley’s wealthiest landowners and owners of Morgan’s Run Ranch. The next day Ben left town and never looked back. My heart broken, I departed for college only to discover six weeks later that I was pregnant. I then came home, gave birth to my beautiful daughter Emma and went to work in the stables at Morgan’s Run.

Beverley: Why would someone come up with a story about you?

Maggie: Because I’m strong, resilient and hardworking. With my dad’s help, I’ve raised Emma, who is now four years old. I nursed her through a devastating accident that left her wheelchair-bound and continue to provide a loving and nurturing home for her.

Beverley: What’s your goal in this story?

Maggie: To be strong for Emma and to resist the charms of Ben Morgan, who has returned to Morgan’s Run to recover from a heart episode. I’m trying to find a way to tell him about Emma without having my heart shattered again.

Beverley: What conflicts are you facing?

Maggie: My conflicting feelings about Ben, to whom I’m drawn like a moth to a flame. I’m crazy in love with him while trying to protect myself and Emma from hurt. I’m also weighing the risks of a new surgery that may help Emma to walk again. Post-surgery Emma still cannot walk and is facing grueling months of physical therapy that does not appear to be helping. Endeavoring to keep her positive while working full-time and sorting out my feelings for Ben are all major conflicts in Emma’s Dream .

Beverley: Do you have a plan for resolving them?

Maggie: I have lots of help with this. Team Emma–my Dad and Ben’s family (parents and five siblings) step in to help with Emma’s post-surgery recovery. I slowly move toward allowing myself to love Ben again, although the road has a number of bumps and rolls!

Beverley: Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you?

Maggie: I have an amazing community of friends and family who support Emma and me no matter what, most especially my dad, Ned Williams, the kindest, steadiest person I know. Emma’s Dream and all eleven of the Morgan’s Run books are, at their heart, about family and community. I am very fortunate, indeed.

Blurb for Emma’s Dream

A woman is the last thing on Ben Morgan’s mind as he comes home to Morgan’s Run, his family’s ranch in Saguaro Valley. Doctor’s orders, he’s home to heal, but the sooner he can get back to Santa Barbara, the better. Then he runs into Maggie Williams on Main Street, prompting vivid memories of a magical night, and Ben’s ailing heart skips a beat. 

Father of her beloved five-year-old daughter, the eldest of the Morgan sons is the last person Maggie expects to have crashed into her car and back into her life. For years, she has struggled to forget him and to make a life for herself and her daughter, Emma, the mirror image of a father, who is unaware of her existence. Now, here he is, looking more gorgeous than the day he ran out of town. Maggie swears Ben Morgan will never break her heart again.  

Excerpt from Emma’s Dream

     As Ben Junior made his way into town, he passed familiar sights, largely unchanged.  Nothing changed much in Saguaro. The Town Garage had a fresh coat of white paint.  “Whoop-de-doo,” he said aloud, making a mental note to drop the Rover off for servicing soon. 

         As he turned right on Main and headed toward Gracie’s Diner, a horn blared and the clunker in front of him screeched to a stop.  Ben braked, but not in time to stop the Rover before it tapped the rear of the clunker. Ben swore under his breath and backed up, pulling over to park at the curb. As he did, the clunker’s driver leaped from her car, screaming and waving her arms.  He shook his head. Foolish woman had left her heap in the middle of the street.  Tall and slender, she wore Jackie O. sunglasses, a baseball cap pulled low on her forehead, a faded cotton shirt over blue jeans, and cowboy boots, the uniform for nearly every female rancher in the valley. 

         “Geez, Toto,” he muttered, patting the Rover’s seat. “We’re not in Kansas anymore.”

         As she approached the Rover, Ben noticed her jeans hugged every curve, full breasts not quite obscured by the baggy shirt.  He couldn’t see her face, but he had to admit the rest of the package was intriguing and also vaguely familiar.  He approached as she bent to survey the clunker’s bumper. 

         “What’s the matter with you?” she screamed, walking in circles, arms still flailing.  “Oh, my God, oh, my God, what am I going to do?” 

         Ben stared at her back, astounded at what was clearly a huge overreaction. The clunker was fine, hardly a scratch on it, although it would be hard to tell with all the other dings.  Then, just as quickly as it started, the fire went out and she flopped down to sit on the curb, head between her legs, sobbing.

         “Hey, hey, it’s not that bad, is it?  We hardly touched each other.  No harm done.” He sat beside her, wondering whether he should pat her on the shoulder. Immediately she quieted and looked up at him. 

         “Oh, my God.  This just gets better and better. It figures.” 

         Ben Morgan, the one person she expected never to see again, sitting beside her in the middle of Main Street.  Could things get any worse?  She leaned forward, hiding her face, wondering whether he’d go away if she sat there long enough.

         “Maggie?  Is that little Maggie Williams?  After five years, I’m in town less than a minute and the first person I bump into is you.”

Buy Links for Emma’s Dream

Amazon Kindle: https://bit.ly/emmaamazon

B&N Nook: https://bit.ly/emmanook

iBooks: https://bit.ly/Emmaibook

Kobo: https://bit.ly/emmakobo

Google: https://bit.ly/emmagoogle

Social Media Links:

Website: www.mleeprescott.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/M.LeePrescottAuthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mleeprescottwriter/

When Jana Richards read her first romance novel, she immediately knew two things: she had to commit the stories running through her head to paper, and they had to end with a happily ever after. She also knew she’d found what she was meant to do. Since then she’s never met a romance genre she didn’t like. She writes contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and historical romance set in World War Two, in lengths ranging from short story to full length novel. Just for fun, she throws in generous helpings of humor, and the occasional dash of the paranormal. Her paranormal romantic suspense “Seeing Things” was a 2008 EPPIE finalist.

In her life away from writing, Jana is an accountant/admin assistant, a mother to two grown daughters, and a wife to her husband Warren. She enjoys golf, yoga, movies, concerts, travel and reading, not necessarily in that order. She and her husband live in Winnipeg, Canada. She loves to hear from readers and can be reached through her website at www.janarichards.com

Beverley: Which genre or genres do you write or prefer to write? And why?

Jana: I primarily write contemporary romance, and mostly small-town romance within that genre. I guess the genre appeals to me because I have small town roots and I feel comfortable there. But I also love other romance genres. My next project is a time travel series that combines my love of World War II stories with mystery and the paranormal.  

Beverley: Who influenced you the most in deciding to become a writer?

Jana: Probably every author I’ve read over the years. Historical authors like Mary Balogh and Jo Beverley, romantic suspense authors like Nora Roberts and Suzanne Brockmann, and small-town authors like Jill Shalvis and Susan Mallery. There are elements of each of these writers (and many more) that I am drawn to and try to emulate. Their writing encourages me to stretch myself, and to be the best writer I can be.

Beverley: What gets your creative juices flowing?

Jana: Being with other writers. Since this past January I’ve been getting together with some writer friends on Zoom to critique each other’s work. It’s been great to reconnect with them and talk writing. I’ve always loved writer retreats where we can physically get together. We write by day and get together for meals and during the evening to talk and laugh and commiserate about the writing life. I love retreats because for the time I’m there, I don’t have to think about anything but writing. I don’t think about the day job, or the laundry or any or the million tasks that wait for me at home. We’re planning our first retreat in two years in October 2021 and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that Covid doesn’t upset our plans. 

Beverley: Do you have a favorite cartoon character? Why?

Jana: Probably Bugs Bunny. Watching The Bugs Bunny Show is one of my favorite childhood memories. I like Bugs because he’s cool and he’s smart. He doesn’t let anyone or anything faze him. Nobody’s going to get the better of Bugs!

Beverley: Who would you love most to meet ‘in person’ and why?

Jana: I’ve always wanted to meet Nora Roberts in person. I want to know how she manages to be so prolific. If she’s got a secret that makes her write faster and keep coming up with great ideas, I’d love to know about it!

Beverley: If you had an unexpected free day what would you do with it?

Jana: If I had a free day, and for some reason I wasn’t using it to write, I’d likely be reading. Back in June, my husband and I rented a cabin at the lake. I decided to take a break from writing for a few days, and since there was no Internet, I couldn’t spend any time online. So I read and I didn’t feel guilty about not doing something else. It was wonderful.

Beverley: What are you working on now?

Jana: I’m currently working on a new book to give away to readers who sign up for my newsletter. Right now it has the working title “Home to Solace Lake”, and it’s a prequel to my Love at Solace Lake series . When I originally wrote this series in 2018, Jerry and Denise were minor, but important, characters in book 3. Their story always intrigued me and I wanted to know how they got together. So, I decided to give them their own book!

Blurb for Unexpected :

Single dad Ben Greyson wants only to retain custody of his two stepdaughters. A dysfunctional childhood has made family the most important thing in his life. When his late wife’s parents sue for custody, a desperate Ben is left with two choices – run away with his girls or marry his next-door neighbor.

Jamie Garven wants to be a mother. She’s intrigued by her handsome new neighbor and falls in love with his little girls. Then Ben is faced with losing his children, and Jamie agrees to marry him for a chance at motherhood. They’re determined to show the world, and the girls’ grandparents, two loving parents.

Their marriage of convenience turns into unexpected love. But Ben interprets Jamie’s efforts to save their family as betrayal—they could lose everything, including each other.

Excerpt from Unexpected:

“Is there anything I can say to make you change your mind about running away?”

“Say you’ll marry me.”

The words were out of his mouth before he knew he was going to say them. Jamie stared at him, eyes wide.

“What?”

“Marry me. You’re the only woman I’d trust with my girls.”

It suddenly made sense. If Jamie married him he could keep his kids.

She jumped to her feet, waking one of the dogs who’d been sleeping on the couch next to her. “What kind of marriage do you want, Ben? Are you proposing something for show?”

“No! I don’t know!” He stood and grasped her arms. “If you’re asking me if we’ll sleep together as man and wife, I don’t know.”

Her mouth twisted as if she was holding back tears. “You know I love the girls, but please don’t ask me to pretend. The last few months of my marriage, all I did was pretend. I pretended I had a husband who loved me. I swore I’d never do that again.”

Ben wanted to take her in his arms and hold her. He hated doing this to her, hated making her relive unhappy memories. He was asking too much of her and he didn’t blame her for saying no.

“Please, forget I said anything.”

He’d stick to his original plan. He and the girls would disappear. He’d change their names, go someplace where no one knew them. A life on the run wasn’t what he wanted for his children, but he’d do whatever he needed to do to keep them.

“Ben—”

“I’m sorry, Jamie.”

Ben was out the door before he could hear anymore of her objections.

Buy Links for Unexpected :

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09CG2MVS7

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-unexpected-l-rosamond-richards/1114738832?ean=2940162376996

iBooks: https://books.apple.com/us/book/unexpected/id1580981690

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57013622-unexpected

BookBub:  https://www.bookbub.com/books/unexpected-masonville-series-book-3-by-jana-richards

Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B09CG2MVS7

Google Play:  https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Jana_Richards_Unexpected?id=oOBDEAAAQBAJ

Kobo US:  https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/unexpected-139

Kobo CA:   http s://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/unexpected-139

Short Links:

Amazon  Us   ~  Amazon CA   ~  B & N   ~  iBooks  ~  Google Play  ~  Kobo US  ~  Kobo CA

Social Media Links:

Website:  http://www.janarichards.com

Blog:  http://janarichards.blogspot.com

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/JanaRichardsAuthor

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

Amazon Author Page:  http://www.amazon.com/author/janarichards

Amazon UK Author Page:  http://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B002DEVWWG

Newsletter Signup: http://janarichards.com/contact.html#newsletter

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2892274Jana_Richards

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jana-richards

        Beverley: Which genre or genres do you write or prefer to write? And why?

Sara: I write Steamy Contemporary Romance/Erotic Romance. I read what I write, so I know the beats and the expectations of readers intimately and you write what you know. As a member of the BDSM community I write about couples where BDSM is often a factor in their relationship. Sometimes a big factor and sometimes a small factor.

Beverley: Who influenced you the most in deciding to become a writer?

Sara: I’ve wanted to write romance novels since I was twelve years old and first stayed up all night trying to write a vampire romance novel. Meghan March, Penny Reid and Mariana Zapata are the authors that have influenced me the most. These three authors all write a different type of female main character and are self-published. The characters are smart, they often break out of the constraints traditional publishers put on the female lead in a romance and because each of them is highly successful at selling their books I became aware of an audience for romances novels I wanted to read and write.

Beverley: What gets your creative juices flowing?

Sara: Everything. I could sit down and write anytime. I have yet to experience a lack of ideas (however I’ve only been writing seriously for the last two years). My issue is sticking with the book and series I’m currently working on. I am constantly having new ideas and day dreaming about new stories.

Beverley: Do you have a favorite cartoon character? Why?

Sara: No, not really. But I have a favorite fictional TV character and that is Anyanka or Anya in Buffy the Vampire Slayer (not the movie version). I love the story arch throughout the series and the characters and I identify with a character who speaks their mind and is often socially inappropriate or rude without meaning to be.

Beverley: Who would you love most to meet ‘in person’ and why?

Sara: Mariana Zapata, Penny Reid or Meghan March. They are my favorite authors and I would love to pick their brains.

Beverley: If you had an unexpected free day what would you do with it?

Sara: Read of Course, or write, or paint, or knit. Basically anything creative that I can do completely alone. 😊

Beverley: What are you working on now?

Sara: I am writing book 4 of my Portland Lovers Series and the working title is Training his Heart. This book is not at all what I expected it would be and it seems to have a life of its own like most of my books. I am a pantser and never know what I’ll end up writing until after I’ve sat down and put words on the page. My characters personalities come to life and they tell me what they will do next, I’m just responsible for getting it down.

     Character Interview

Beverley : What’s your name?

Cordelia: Cordelia Delila McAdams but I go by Delia.

Beverley : Where did you grow up?

Cordelia: S anta Cruz, CA. I live in Portland, OR now.

Beverley : During what time period does your story take place?

Cordelia: Current time period (no pandemic in my stories)

Beverley : What’s your story/back story? Why would someone come up with a story about you?

Cordelia: I grew up with surfer bums for parents in a dilapidated beach shack. My parents were free spirits and spent most of their time trying to figure out where their next beer or pot was coming from. I was left to my own devices and thankfully had a neighbor with a houseful of kids that often fed me and passed to me used clothing. I was often forgotten or neglected and sometimes hungry.

Beverley : What’s your goal in this story?

Cordelia: T o move up in my career, get ahead and be independently and financially stable.

Beverley : What conflicts are you facing?

Cordelia: My company was just purchase by a Venture Capital Group and the new Chair of the Board promoted me in a company filled with mostly white-male leaders. I need to prove myself to my peers and employees that I belong in this role. I need to prove to my boss that he made the right decision. Did I mention that my new boss is the most attractive man I’ve ever seen and well there is obvious sexual tension that I have to contend with as well?

Beverley : Do you have a plan for resolving them?

Cordelia: Ignore the sexual tension, focus on work. Like always work is my first priority.

Beverley : Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you?

Cordelia: I may have some self confidence issues that I work really hard to disguise and makes me feel like I always have to work more and better than everyone else to prove myself because I’m not sure I’m good enough.

Blurb for Bound by Pride

Business acquisition or BDSM takeover? Working in a male-dominated industry, Delia knows three things; she can sell anything, the only person she can count on is herself, and men are not to be trusted.

John sees, acquires, and transforms companies. His legendary focus and control have made him rich while his ability to recognize and nurture talent routinely guarantees success. Promoting Delia based on merit is the right thing to do, even if he’d prefer her bound and kneeling at his feet.

After finally being recognized for her hard work and effort, Delia wonders if this new boss is different from the men she’s known. Will these two end up in a mutually beneficial merger, or are they looking at a hostile takeover?

Excerpt from Bound by Pride, book 3 in the Portland Lovers Series

     Walking into my office, I’m instantly pissed because some asshat is sitting at my desk using my space as if it were his own. He doesn’t notice me walk in as he has his back to me, and is wearing a headset, talking on the phone. Although I cannot see his face, I cannot help but notice his physique. The man is huge, with thick arms and a broad, muscular back. Noticing that he is on what sounds like a cold call, I decide to stand there and wait for him to finish. I listen in to how he approaches the conversation and the ask for more time to talk about our products. As he says goodbye and signs off the call, I clear my throat to get his attention.

“Oh, hello. You must be Ms. McAdams,” says the behemoth of a man as he strides from behind my desk to greet me. He is easily the most attractive man I have ever seen, and for an instant, it stuns me silent and makes my girly bits take notice. Shaking it off, I respond with a bit of my irritation coming through.

“And who the hell are you? Why are you in my office?” I ask. Might as well establish right up front I’m not taking his crap, and I’m no pushover. I wish he had stayed seated; as I must tip my head back, way back to look him in the eyes, he is so tall.

“I’m John Gulbrandson, your newest Sales Manager. It is nice to meet you, Ms. McAdams,” he says with his hand outstretched to shake mine. I begrudgingly shake his hand and get a jolt of electric attraction shoot up my arm. His smile is too sexy and his eyes are an intense blue that I feel like could get lost in. Not liking my reaction to him at all, I walk around him to put my bag on my desk and sit down in my chair.

“John, as I’ve just returned from a two-week vacation, I have a few things to do to get caught up this morning. Find another place to work until our meeting at nine; we can catch up then.”

“Sounds good boss. I’ll look forward to my meeting with you after you’ve settled in. Have a nice morning, and let me know if you need anything. I’m at your disposal,” says John with a wink as he strides out of my office. Did he just flirt with me?

It is hard not to notice his nicely sculpted ass as he walks from my office, and I shake my head to get it out of the gutter. What an annoying and distracting man. Did he think his smile and wink would appease me after he took over my office? Why the hell did he think it would be okay to set up camp in here while I was out anyway? I’ll bet one of my team put him in here as an attempt at hazing, knowing how annoyed I’d be arriving to find someone making themselves at home in my office.

Buy Links for Bound by Pride

https://linktr.ee/Sara_R_Stewart

Social Media Links

https://linktr.ee/Sara_R_Stewart

Jan Selbourne was born and educated in Melbourne, Australia and her love of literature and history began as soon as she learned to read. After graduating from a business college here career began in the dusty world of ledgers and accounting, working in Victoria, Queensland and the United Kingdom. On the point of retiring, she changed course to work as secretary of a large NSW historical society. Now retired Jan writes historical fiction. She has two adult children, a lovable dog and lives near Maitland, New South Wales

USA Today Bestseller Author Eileen Troemel writes action packed and emotionally powerful fantasy, scifi, romance. She’s versatile and writes in many genres.  She’ll try almost any genre if it means she can tell a good story.  In addition to her writing, she loves to read, crochet, and research genealogy. Her best days are spent with her family of three adult daughters and her husband or writing.  

Character Interview

Beverley: What’s your name?

Susan: Susan Cooper

Beverley: Where did you grow up?

Susan: Wisconsin, USA.

Beverley: During what time period does your story take place?

Susan: In the year 2030

Beverley:  What’s your story/back story? Why would someone come up with a story about you?  

Susan: My life, as I knew it, came to an abrupt halt when I became aware of a huge conspiracy hidden behind the walls of a renowned philanthropic organization. To start at the beginning, my brother Micky, a well-known archeologist, was the achiever in our family. That was my excuse for drinking too much and drifting from job to job – until he was convicted of embezzlement and sent to the world’s toughest prison, on the moon. Micky can be a mind-numbing nerd but he’s no thief and I wanted answers. That’s when I met Greg Tanner searching for his brilliant linguist cousin Samantha, accused of treason and sent to the same prison. At first, I wasn’t sure if he was genuine, but it soon became obvious someone wanted both of us silenced. We had no choice but trust each other and take the shuttle to the moon. The dark side of the moon.

Beverley: What’s your goal in this story?

Susan: Greg and I knew Micky and Samantha were set up and the answers were inside the impenetrable moon prison. Like most people, we were in awe of the first moon landing in 1969. We had no idea the moon’s inhabitants were a lot smarter than us.

Beverley: Do you have a plan for resolving them?

Susan: Greg and I didn’t have time for a plan. It was a case of heading into the unknown. Were Micky and Samantha alive? If they were how would we get back to earth and seeing planet Earth from the moon brought home how much danger we were in. I won’t tell you more because I want you to find out for yourselves.

Beverley: Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you?

Susan: It took a trip to the moon and enormous danger to make me grow up.

Blurb for The Moon Crossing

USA Today Bestselling Author Eileen Troemel and Coffee Pot Book Club Historical Fiction Silver Medal author Jan Selbourne present an alternate history, sweet romance of life after the Moon Landing in 1969. 

In 2030, World Correction Center – the Earth’s most secure prison – is a miserable place to land. Since it’s on the moon, it’s inescapable. It contains the worst criminals Earth has ever seen. So why are the brilliant minds across the globe being sent to this black hole of the justice system. When renowned archaeologist Micky Cooper is charged with embezzling, his sister Susan knows it’s a set up.  It’s up to her to prove his innocence. Susan thinks she might be paranoid but she swears she’s being followed and should she trust the nice man whose cousin has disappeared as well? Was it a chance meeting or is he against her too? Teaming up with Greg Tanner, a man equally resolved to prove the innocence of his cousin, Samantha Tanner – a word leading linguist – Susan and Greg seek clues wherever they can find them, but they’re barely keeping one step ahead of those who want them to stop.  They begin to unravel the web of lies, fraud and cover up. Just when they start to put pieces together, Susan and Greg are forced to run for their lives.  With a nudge from Samantha they find someone to help. Is this woman an ally? Or simply part of a greater conspiracy to hide the truth? What exactly is on the moon and why are the Earth’s greatest minds being sent there to serve time?

Excerpt from The Moon Crossing

“The prison and the workers’ facilities and the resort have brilliant high tech security, yet you’re telling us we can walk out onto the moon surface and enter another unused tunnel?” Greg said incredulously. “Why doesn’t this right hand tunnel link up with the old emergency tunnel?”

“If I knew, I wouldn’t be standing here trying to explain,” James said brusquely. Then he took a deep breath. “I don’t know. It’s twenty percent information and eighty percent assumption and hope to hell I’m right. Maybe the damned tunnel caved in or was the unmarked tunnel a deliberate ruse in case prisoners did escape. Shut the door behind them because there’s nowhere for them to go.”

Susan put her hand on James’s arm. “I know the two of you are connected but you better loop us in so Greg and I can follow directions too.” Her heart thudded in her chest. She lied and cheated to get to the moon. The Commander, whom Samantha mistrusted and feared, searched for them. She held the hand of a man she barely knew and they followed two aliens in human form to a high security prison.

Tell this one to your friends, Susan, and when they stop laughing, they’ll demand to know what you’ve been drinking. More likely a ghastly nightmare, then she stumbled on the uneven surface. No, it’s real. Micky, please be there, her throat tightened, please be alive. 

Buy links for The Moon Crossing

https://books.bookfunnel.com/comingsoon-sep/7zyf50v78e

Amazon.com: The Moon Crossing eBook : Troemel, Eileen, Selbourne, Jan: Kindle Store

Social media links: Jan Selbourne

Website: https://nomadauthors.com/JanSelbourne/index.html

Blog: http://nomadauthors.com/blog

Twitter: http://twitter.com/JanSelbourne

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jan.selbourne

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14661584.Jan_Selbourne?from_search=true

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Jan-Selbourne/e/B0184OSZ6E/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/h8t2y6

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-selbourne-2817b6140/

Social media links: Eileen Troemel

Website:   https://eileentroemel.com/  

Twitter   https://twitter.com/EileenTroemel

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

Instagram   https://www.instagram.com/eileentroemel/

LinkedIn   https://www.linkedin.com/in/eileen-troemel-6667825b/

MeWe   https://mewe.com/i/eileentroemel

Goodreads   https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7868345.Eileen_Troemel

When Jana Richards read her first romance novel, she immediately knew two things: she had to commit the stories running through her head to paper, and they had to end with a happily ever after. She also knew she’d found what she was meant to do. Since then she’s never met a romance genre she didn’t like. She writes contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and historical romance set in World War Two, in lengths ranging from short story to full length novel. Just for fun, she throws in generous helpings of humor, and the occasional dash of the paranormal. Her paranormal romantic suspense “Seeing Things” was a 2008 EPPIE finalist.

In her life away from writing, Jana is an accountant/admin assistant, a mother to two grown daughters, and a wife to her husband Warren. She enjoys golf, yoga, movies, concerts, travel, and reading, not necessarily in that order. She and her husband live in Winnipeg, Canada. She loves to hear from readers and can be reached through her website at www.janarichards.com

Beverley: Which genre or genres do you write or prefer to write? And why?

Jana: I primarily write contemporary romance, and mostly small-town romance within that genre. I guess the genre appeals to me because I have small town roots and I feel comfortable there. But I also love other romance genres. My next project is a time travel series that combines my love of World War II stories with mystery and the paranormal.  

Beverley: Who influenced you the most in deciding to become a writer?

Jana: Probably every author I’ve read over the years. Historical authors like Mary Balogh and Jo Beverley, romantic suspense authors like Nora Roberts and Suzanne Brockmann, and small-town authors like Jill Shalvis and Susan Mallery. There are elements of each of these writers (and many more) that I am drawn to and try to emulate. Their writing encourages me to stretch myself, and to be the best writer I can be.

Beverley: What gets your creative juices flowing?

Jana: Being with other writers. Since this past January I’ve been getting together with some writer friends on Zoom to critique each other’s work. It’s been great to reconnect with them and talk writing. I’ve always loved writer retreats where we can physically get together. We write by day and get together for meals and during the evening to talk and laugh and commiserate about the writing life. I love retreats because for the time I’m there, I don’t have to think about anything but writing. I don’t think about the day job, or the laundry or any or the million tasks that wait for me at home. We’re planning our first retreat in two years in October 2021 and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that Covid doesn’t upset our plans. 

Beverley: Do you have a favorite cartoon character? Why?

Jana: Probably Bugs Bunny. Watching The Bugs Bunny Show is one of my favorite childhood memories. I like Bugs because he’s cool and he’s smart. He doesn’t let anyone or anything faze him. Nobody’s going to get the better of Bugs!

Beverley: Who would you love most to meet ‘in person’ and why?

Jana: I’ve always wanted to meet Nora Roberts in person. I want to know how she manages to be so prolific. If she’s got a secret that makes her write faster and keep coming up with great ideas, I’d love to know about it!

Beverley: If you had an unexpected free day what would you do with it?

Jana: If I had a free day, and for some reason I wasn’t using it to write, I’d likely be reading. Back in June, my husband and I rented a cabin at the lake. I decided to take a break from writing for a few days, and since there was no Internet, I couldn’t spend any time online. So I read and I didn’t feel guilty about not doing something else. It was wonderful.

Beverley: What are you working on now?

Jana: I’m currently working on a new book to give away to readers who sign up for my newsletter. Right now it has the working title “Home to Solace Lake”, and it’s a prequel to my Love at Solace Lake series . When I originally wrote this series in 2018, Jerry and Denise were minor, but important, characters in book 3. Their story always intrigued me and I wanted to know how they got together. So, I decided to give them their own book!

Blurb for Unexpected :

Single dad Ben Greyson wants only to retain custody of his two stepdaughters. A dysfunctional childhood has made family the most important thing in his life. When his late wife’s parents sue for custody, a desperate Ben is left with two choices – run away with his girls or marry his next-door neighbor.

Jamie Garven wants to be a mother. She’s intrigued by her handsome new neighbor and falls in love with his little girls. Then Ben is faced with losing his children, and Jamie agrees to marry him for a chance at motherhood. They’re determined to show the world, and the girls’ grandparents, two loving parents.

Their marriage of convenience turns into unexpected love. But Ben interprets Jamie’s efforts to save their family as betrayal—they could lose everything, including each other.

Excerpt from Unexpected:

“Is there anything I can say to make you change your mind about running away?”

“Say you’ll marry me.”

The words were out of his mouth before he knew he was going to say them. Jamie stared at him, eyes wide.

“What?”

“Marry me. You’re the only woman I’d trust with my girls.”

It suddenly made sense. If Jamie married him he could keep his kids.

She jumped to her feet, waking one of the dogs who’d been sleeping on the couch next to her. “What kind of marriage do you want, Ben? Are you proposing something for show?”

“No! I don’t know!” He stood and grasped her arms. “If you’re asking me if we’ll sleep together as man and wife, I don’t know.”

Her mouth twisted as if she was holding back tears. “You know I love the girls, but please don’t ask me to pretend. The last few months of my marriage, all I did was pretend. I pretended I had a husband who loved me. I swore I’d never do that again.”

Ben wanted to take her in his arms and hold her. He hated doing this to her, hated making her relive unhappy memories. He was asking too much of her and he didn’t blame her for saying no.

“Please, forget I said anything.”

He’d stick to his original plan. He and the girls would disappear. He’d change their names, go someplace where no one knew them. A life on the run wasn’t what he wanted for his children, but he’d do whatever he needed to do to keep them.

“Ben—”

“I’m sorry, Jamie.”

Ben was out the door before he could hear anymore of her objections.

Buy Links for Unexpected :

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09CG2MVS7

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-unexpected-l-rosamond-richards/1114738832?ean=2940162376996

iBooks: https://books.apple.com/us/book/unexpected/id1580981690

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57013622-unexpected

BookBub:  https://www.bookbub.com/books/unexpected-masonville-series-book-3-by-jana-richards

Social Media Links:

Website:  http://www.janarichards.com

Blog:  http://janarichards.blogspot.com

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/JanaRichardsAuthor

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

Amazon Author Page:  http://www.amazon.com/author/janarichards

Amazon UK Author Page:  http://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B002DEVWWG

Newsletter Signup: http://janarichards.com/contact.html#newsletter

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2892274Jana_Richards

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jana-richards

I write dogs into most of my stories. I’m not sure why, but I think it’s because I feel pets, in my case dogs, are wonderful companions and can make our life much better. They also teach us about caring and responsibilities. I find that subconsciously I end up putting a dog into my stories.

When I write a dog into my novels they usually belong to the heroine. And they aren’t just a nice pet that wags their tail and looks cute. Most of the time they are mutts. They frequently are a character in the story. In Targeted, Lucky is a stray the heroine rescues. Then Lucky sort of rescues her.  In Death Southern Style, the dog, Marie Laveau, has psychic abilities.  

I love my dogs and I find writing about them in my stories is fun. They can add to the plot in many different ways. They can help develop the characters. Hopefully, the reader will enjoy them and accept their role in the story.

I was watching a new series on TV the other night and in the first program, there was a dog as part of the team. I smiled and immediately became more interested in the program. I hope that works for my readers, too.

Other authors have cats, hamsters, and parrots in their stories. What about you? Do you write pets into your stories? Do you like to read about pets in a novel.? If you do, what kind of pets? I’d love to hear your thoughts about animals in novels.

(And this is my rescue dog. :))

Amber Daulton is the author of the romantic-suspense series Arresting Onyx and several standalone novellas. Her books are published through Daulton Publishing, The Wild Rose Press, and Books to Go Now, and are available in ebook, print on demand, audio, and foreign language formats. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and demanding cats.

Character Interview

Beverley: What’s your name?

Susanna: Susanna Lorican. I’m the youngest of five children.

Beverley: Where did you grow up?

Susanna: In Derby, in the southern part of Derbyshire at my father’s manor. It’s in the country, a couple hours north of London.

Beverley: During what time period does your story take place?

Susanna: My story takes place in the Year of our Lord 1834. William IV sits on the British throne, but the time period is still often refereed to as the Regency Era even though the Prince Regent—who later became George IV—has long passed.

Beverley: What’s your story/back story? Why would someone come up with a story about you?

Susanna: I’ve been in love with my older brothers’ childhood friend for as long as I can remember. Unfortunately, Camden always saw me as a pest and didn’t pay much attention to me. Isn’t that always the way? But I think Amber, my author, wanted to bring us together after we have both had a chance to mature and experience life. Granted, Camden experienced much more than I did—he’s eight years older than I am—but I’m not the naive girl most everyone believes me to be. I have reasons for everything I do, even if it may seem foolish at the time.

Beverley: What’s your goal in this story?

Susanna: To marry the man I love. Camden and I have had a long courtship, and it’s finally our wedding day. We’re eager to embrace our new life together, but fate seems to be conspiring against us.

Beverley: What conflicts are you facing?

Susanna: Everything that could go wrong, does. I have a secret that’s been eating away at me, and there is only one solution to the problem—marrying my betrothed. But with an unexpected snowstorm blowing in and threatening to cancel the wedding, I may be in serious trouble.

Beverley: Do you have a plan for resolving them?

Susanna: Everyone is telling me to postpone the wedding until spring, but it’s impossible. I have to keep strong and see my Christmas wedding through to the end, somehow.

Beverley: Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you?

Susanna: Yes! My story takes place on my wedding day, so I assume some readers would be put off by that. But rest assured, my story isn’t a book two or a continuation of another story. It’s a complete standalone novella about two people who are already madly in love. Camden and I are ready for married life and will do anything to reach the altar.

Most romance books are about people meeting and falling in love, but there’s little detail to the wedding, marriage life, and the possible children to come. Amber Daulton wanted something different for Camden and me, so she’s telling our disastrous wedding story and showing how love triumphs in the face of adversity.

I hope you give Forever Winter a chance!

Blurb for Forever Winter:

A perfect Christmas wedding, a snowstorm, and a shocking secret. What could go wrong?

Susanna Lorican must marry the man she loves before the truth is discovered, or face the gossip of the ton. With an unexpected snowstorm injuring the minister, her future hangs in the balance.

Viscount Camden Beckinworth vows to keep his bride safe, even if he must betray her confidence. When their love is put to the test, how will he uphold her honor without jeopardizing his own?

Excerpt from Forever Winter:

Oh, my. The air in her lungs froze as he teased and tasted her lips in a decadent, feather-soft kiss. She moaned into his mouth and closed her eyes.

“You are so beautiful.” He trailed his lips down her neck.

“Camden.” She gasped and gripped his broad shoulders for an anchor in the storm of bliss threatening to sweep her under. Spots dotted her vision like twinkling stars peeking through dark clouds. She blinked several times and nodded to the entryway. “We must control ourselves. Anyone could see.” The smirk crawling up his cheeks clenched something deep and primal inside her. She breathed harder and inched closer to his heaving chest.

“Let them. We are betrothed. Two people in love who are about to wed are expected to kiss.”

“Kiss, yes,” she whispered. “You, my lord, make love with your lips.” Heat flamed in her cheeks and surely reddened her face.

Camden laughed and trailed his fingers up her bare arm to the puffed sleeve. “Do I? You have never admitted that before.”

“There are some things you should not be privy to.”

“Really? I’m honored that my bride appreciates the way I kiss. If she didn’t, what kind of man would that make me?”

She stepped away and smacked his biceps. “There are eyes and ears everywhere, Camden. Especially today. I’m positive the servants are already gossiping that we are spending time together on the one day we should keep our distance. It is bad luck.” And since their chaperone had left them unaccompanied, she expected another servant to arrive any minute, courtesy of her mother.

Camden drew her back into his arms and brushed his lips across her hairline. “I make my own luck. We control our destiny, Susanna; no one else. Besides, you have nothing to worry about. The one activity we shared truly worth gossiping about will never reach the light of day.”

Buy Links for Forever Winter:

Amazon – https://bit.ly/foreverwinteramazon

Barnes and Noble – https://bit.ly/foreverwinternook

Kobo – https://bit.ly/foreverwinterkobo

Apple/iBooks – https://bit.ly/foreverwinterapple

Google Play – https://bit.ly/foreverwintergoogleplay

Social Media Links

Universal link – https://linktr.ee/AmberDaulton

Award-winning author Seelie Kay writes about lawyers in love, sometimes with a dash of kink. Writing under a nom de plume, the former lawyer and journalist draws her stories from more than 30 years in the legal world. Seelie’s wicked pen has resulted in nineteen works of fiction, including the new paranormal romance series Donovan Trait, as well the erotic romance Kinky Briefs series and The Feisty Lawyers romantic suspense series. She also authored The Last Christmas, The Garage Dweller, A Touchdown to Remember, The President’s Wife, The President’s Daughter, Seizing Hope, The White House Wedding, and participated in the romance anthology Pieces of Us.

When not spinning romantic tales, Seelie ghostwrites nonfiction for lawyers and other professionals. Currently, she resides in a bucolic exurb outside Milwaukee, WI, where she enjoys opera, the Green Bay Packers, gourmet cooking, organic gardening, and an occasional bottle of red wine.

Seelie is an MS warrior and ruthlessly battles the disease on a daily basis. Her message to those diagnosed with MS: Never give up. You define MS, it does not define you!  

Beverley: Why do you write romance?

Seelie: Because I am fascinated by the games people play to find and secure a lasting relationship, which is not always love. There’s the chase, the courtship, the falling, the surrender. That’s what I try to capture in my stories.

Beverley: Do you prefer a certain type of romantic hero?

Seelie: I adore smart, dashing gentlemen who aren’t afraid to live on the edge. They can be a bad boy, a billionaire, a prince, or a secret agent. That hint of danger just hooks me! However,  they have to be paired with strong, independent women who aren’t afraid to fight for what they want, even love.

Beverley: Why did you write “Ye Gods! The Law is an Ass?”

Seelie: Donovan Trait is a vampire lawyer. In the human world, a very respected lawyer. I wanted to give him the opportunity to shine in the vampire world. So I created a scenario where his turned vampire bride Shirley is unfairly punished for an unintentionally violating their marital agreement, as well as other outdated, outrageous, and outright discriminatory laws—she unintentionally  To survive and protect their unborn child, they must not only fight back, but also rebel. In this instance, human history provides them with the path. That gave me the opportunity to draw parallels between the fight for human rights and the rights of vampires who aren’t purebloods. It also allowed me to poke at the continued need of both societies to embrace social change. Perhaps surprisingly, the vampires lag far behind the humans in terms of equality and individual freedoms. However, in the end, the message is clear: Whether human or vampire, an individual is entitled to certain rights and liberties. And no human or vampire has a right to deny them.

Blurb for Ye Gods! The Law is an Ass :

  It was the Great Lie, and it could destroy the Vampire Nation.

In First, We Kill All the Lawyers, vampire lawyer Donovan Trait survived repeated attacks by a serial killer. Now, after violating a marital agreement with the Vampire Coalition, and several ancient Vampire Laws, Donovan, and his newly-turned vampire bride are on the run. You see, in exchange for permitting a pure-blood vampire to marry a turned human, the Traits agreed to allow vampire scientists to monitor the conception and birth of their children. When Judge Shirley Magnusen Trait turns up accidentally pregnant on her wedding day, the fury of the Coalition is unleashed. The tribunal recommends unacceptable punitive action and the Traits are forced to flee to a mysterious island of vampire nuns. The Traits are, by profession, seekers of the truth. But this time, the truth may not set them free. In fact, it could start a revolution. Will the Traits escape the clutches of the Coalition and keep their babies safe? Or will their family be…eliminated?

Excerpt from Ye Gods! The Law is an Ass:

Jonathan opened the envelope and reviewed the report. When he got to the last page, his eyes grew wide. “Donovan, it seems Shirley had a reason for that lightheadedness.”

Donovan gasped. “What is it?”

His father handed him the document and pointed at the bottom of the page. “She’s pregnant.”

Donovan grabbed at the wall. Overwhelmed with unfamiliar emotion, he settled onto a chair and rested his head in his hands. “Ye Gods,” he muttered. “I’m going to be a father.”

“And I am to be a grandfather, finally. However, I am afraid the Coalition may have a problem with this. They may not permit your marriage today or anytime soon.”

Donovan Trait turned to his father, his eyes filled with fury. “Why does it matter? We’re already married in the human world and we are about to repeat our vows before all in the Vampire Kingdom. This doesn’t change anything. It’s not like we are going to have a child out of wedlock. We have broken no laws.”

Jonathan Trait arched a fluffy white brow. “We need to discuss this, son.” He sat beside him. “The problem is, you explicitly agreed to allow the Coalition to oversee the conception and birth of any children born of this joining. Every step of the process was to be observed, studied, and documented. You know this.”

“So, they are going to force us to terminate the pregnancy and start over?” Donovan groaned. “It’s too late. I will not force her to start over. They can be voyeurs the next time. I am sure Shirley will have no problem with the monitoring of her pregnancy. It’s not like she can consult with a human physician. They would not understand that her child may have fangs in utero. And the blood work…” He shuddered. “I can’t imagine what…”

Jonathan frowned. “The agreement says from the point of conception, son.  You know what sticklers they are. Our women became barren more than a century ago. We need to understand why. From a scientific perspective, we need to know exactly what was different, so we can find a solution.”

Donovan harrumphed. “Seriously? Did they wish to observe while I made love to my wife? That’s ludicrous. Horny old bastards.”

Jonathan chuckled. “Some of those old fuddie-duddies would stroke out if forced to watch a virile man like you seduce his wife.” His expression turned somber. “Let’s look at the facts as we know them. As a lawyer, that’s a process with which you are familiar.

“Human women can’t carry a vampire child to term. We know that. They miscarry. The human uterus is simply not strong enough to withstand the damage caused by a developing vampire fetus. Those fangs shred the amniotic sac. However, we also don’t know if a female vampire can carry a human baby to term. Shirley may not be able to provide the fetus with the nutrition that it needs to develop properly.

“In addition, we don’t know the point of conception, which means we don’t know if Shirley was fully turned when she conceived. We also don’t know what the genetic makeup of the baby will be and whether that will change as the pregnancy progresses. Furthermore, we don’t know whether the baby’s genetics will alter after birth. We don’t know what the child will need to survive. We don’t know much.

“That raises several questions, Donovan. Is Shirley’s life in danger? And is your child’s life in danger? Not just physically and genetically, but socially. The baby is an anomaly. To some, an adnomination. A freak. He or she will constantly be in danger. If you had kept to the agreement, she and the baby would have been protected. Now everything is at risk.”

Book Trailer—

Buy links for Ye Gods! The Law is an Ass:

Extasy Books: https://www.extasybooks.com/ye-god-the-law-is-an-ass

Amazon:

Barnes and Noble:

Kobo:  

Universal link:

Social Media links:

Website:  https:// www.seeliekay.com

Blog:   https://www.seeliekay.blogspot.com

Twitter: @SeelieKay https://twitter.com/SeelieKay

Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/seelie.kay.77

Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/seeliekay51/

Amazon Author Page:   https://www.amazon.com/Seelie-Kay/e/B074RDRWNZ/

BookBub:   https://www.bookbub.com/authors/seelie-kay

Goodreads:   https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16492565.Seelie_Kay

Newsletter sign-up:   https://rb.gy/w69pim  

Darlene resides on the Atlantic Coast of Canada where the summers are too short, and the winters are too long. She writes contemporary romances with a focus on plot-driven page-turners. When not working on her next book, she can be found with her husband, her daughter, and her yellow Labrador.

2020 Character Interview

Beverley: What’s your name?

Carly: Carly Redd

Beverley: Where did you grow up?

Carly: Halifax, Nova Scotia

Beverley: During what time period does your story take place?

Carly: Current date. Summer.

Beverley: What’s your story/back story? Why would someone come up with a story about you?

Carly: I worked as a bartender while earning a degree in Business and Marketing. I then started making ice cream. My story is fun because who doesn’t love ice cream! 😊 (smile)

Beverley: What’s your goal in this story?

Carly: To open my own ice cream shop… and to get through my ex’s engagement party that I am forced to attend.

Beverley: What conflicts are you facing?

Carly: To not fall for my pretend boyfriend, who happens to be a hunky firefighter.

Beverley: Do you have a plan for resolving them?

Carly: I lost all resolve as soon as I got to know Noah.

Beverley: Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you?

Carly: You’ll have to read my story to find out 😉 (wink)

Blurb for Cherry Red:

This summer, ice cream entrepreneur Carly Redd’s only focus is expanding her business—until she’s coerced into attending her ex’s engagement party. Showing up without a date is unthinkable. She reluctantly agrees to be escorted by her brother’s co-worker, although doing so breaks her rule of not dating firefighters.

The daughter of the town’s fire chief should wear a Do Not Touch sign, but firefighter Noah Harding’s interest blazed the moment he saw Carly. Agreeing to be her fake boyfriend is a no-brainer, but convincing Carly to trust him with her heart is harder than extinguishing a fire.

Overstepping the platonic-only rule is as dangerous as fire and ice swirling into tempting combustion.

Excerpt for Cherry Red:

“This might seem like a strange question, especially since we’ve just met, but would you be interested in going out for a coffee? Or an ice cream?” Noah rested an arm on the bar.

Carly glanced down at her jeans and black T-shirt embroidered with the company name and logo…a cluster of red cherries. In a room full of women all dolled up in fancy—and some a bit scanty—dresses, why would this incredibly handsome man ask her on a date? “I appreciate the offer, but I’m not interested…”

Noah raised a brow. “I know you like ice cream, so is it the coffee, or me?”

“What? No. I mean, yes.” She took a second to collect her scrambled thoughts. “I like coffee. I just don’t hang out with firefighters.” Not that he was a real firefighter. Did impersonators count in her rules of men to avoid? She never dated a stripper, but she wasn’t sure she could have a relationship with a guy who was paid to take off his clothes and have other women fawn over him. Not that the guy asked her on a date…just a simple coffee. His frown made her feel badly. “I’m sorry. It’s nothing personal.”

“Burnt in the past? No pun intended.” He smiled.

She couldn’t help but smile back. “Something like that.”

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