Stacey Joy Netzel

Shadow of Deceit, by Mal Olson

2012-03-08T02:00:00.000-06:00

I'm very happy to have fellow WisRWA member Mal Olson here today with her debut book, SHADOW OF DECEIT. I read the book and loved it...here's what I have to say:

“Shadow of Deceitdelivers on the author’s promise of adrenaline-kicked romance with greatcharacters, a well developed plot, and action packed scenes that’ll keepreaders turning the pages and wanting more! Shannon is a heroine who’s beendealt a tragic blow but somehow manages to keep on living. Her strength istested when she discovers her recently deceased husband had deadly secrets thathave come back to haunt her. Though knocked for a loop the moment he seesShannon’s beautiful blue eyes, FBI Agent Tony Crazaniak suspects she knows morethan she claims. Attempts on her life cast him in the role of protector as wellas investigator, and he’s helpless to resist their sizzling attraction. The endresult is Mal Olson’s great debut full of action and emotion that you won’twant to miss!”

Mal also answered a few questions for me, so enjoy the excerpt and then read on and comment for your chance to win an ebook copy of this wonderful book! (Make sure you leave your contact info in case you're the winner!)

SHADOW OF DECEIT, by Mal Olson

Genre: Romantic Suspense, 66835 words
Heat level: Spicy

Buy: The Wild Rose Press, Amazon

Can an FBI agent obsessed with redemption and a grievingwidow desperate to clear her husband’s name learn to believe in love again?

Shannon Riedel faces down danger when a gunman breaks intoher office claiming her dead husband swindled him. When FBI agent TonyCrazaniak arrives to investigate, sexual heat sizzles. The ex-Delta Forceoperative’s massive presence and dark eyes trigger an attraction the youngwidow finds unnerving.

When Crazaniak convinces Shannon she needs his protection,they partner to unearth secrets her husband left behind—secrets involving aTanzanian mine that yields perfect blue diamonds coveted by dealers around theworld—secrets connected to a terrorist leader Crazanaik has vowed to take down.

With danger surrounding them, two emotionallywounded souls bond, but can they put their demons to rest and trust in love?Can they survive long enough to find out?

EXCERPT:

Shannon sat,stalled, her heart pummeling like prey snagged in an icy hunter’s trap.

Someone knocked onher window.

Heart in herthroat, every muscle in her body tensed as she jerked her head toward thepassenger side and looked through frosted glass into the face of Special AgentTony Crazaniak.

Relief uncoiledthe knot in her stomach. She’d never been so happy to see anyone in her life.She unlocked the door, and he opened it.

“Jesus, what thehell was that all about?” He dipped his head and plunked a snow-clogged footonto the floor mat as he grabbed her bags and tossed them over the seat.

“I don’t know, andI wasn’t sticking around to find out.”

Crammingsix-foot-plus inches of man into her Porsche was like stuffing two hundredpounds of prime beef into a picnic cooler. But he managed not only to squeezein and make himself comfortable, he took charge.

“Traffic’s moving,go!”

She eased theaccelerator, launching forward into an ice-jammed gridlock of traffic crawlingwest.

“You want to tellme what’s going on?” His shoulder brushed against hers when he shifted in theseat.

“I would if I hadthe slightest clue.”

His heat made hernerve endings prickle. And as far as telling him what was going on? The “wouldif I could” may not have been the entire truth, but it was close enough. Besides,she didn’t want to tell him anything. Yet.

What did sheactually know?

Snow bunched onthe windshield as the wiper blades plowed through thick gruel, as her brainchurned, as she tried to come up with an answer the FBI operative would buy.“Obviously someone’s after me.”

“Obviously. But,who?”

“I don’t know.”

“Jilted lover?”

Snapping her headaround, she glared at him. The full effect of his intense eyes sent heat wavesrippling down her spine.

“No.” Cheeksblooming hot, she tugged her glance away and added, “Nolovers.”

She felt hisscrutiny slow-slide over her. The bloom that heated her cheeks spread down herneck.

“You ought to fixthat,” said Tall-Dark-and-Scrumptious.

And the fact thatshe noticed that he was scrumptious flustered her. She wasn’t lookingfor…anything. Although, she could use his broad-shouldered, don’t-mess-with-meattitude and his FBI badge riding shotgun until she ditched the Lexus.

“Listen, I’m not…Imean…” What did she mean? “Not in the market…All I want is a guard dog until Ilose the lunatic in the Lexus.”

He shrugged.“Can’t blame a guy for trying.” His smile slammed the scrumptious meter so highshe heard bells ring, which made her reconsider her comfort level. She realizedshe would be safer, at least on an estrogen-to-testosterone level, without hismassive presence and raw animal magnetism steaming up the Porsche’s windows.

Looking into themirror, she couldn’t see the Lexus. She turned around and still couldn’t spotit. Even if it were there, it couldn’t pass four cars on Wisconsin Avenue on agood day, let alone in this snowy mess.

“On secondthought, why don’t I pull over at the next light and you can hop out. If I wanthelp, I’ll whistle.”

“I don’t thinkso.” He swiveled to look out the rear window, his mouth nearly brushing hercheek.

Too close. Toohot. Too dangerous.

She couldn’t pullover without getting stuck in the slushy excuse for a right lane, but thatdidn’t mean she couldn’t stop, and that he couldn’t let himself out.

When the line oftraffic stalled again, she eased her foot on the brake and said with a prick ofguilt over ditching him in calf-high muck, “End of the ride, AgentCrazaniak.”

He shook his head.

“I can make ithome from here. Thanks for your concern.” Too bad he hadn’t worn boots.

He settled hisbroad shoulders against the seat.

“I no longer needyour assistance.” She glanced over her shoulder again. “The Lexus isgone.”

“Not my style toleave a woman in distress.”

“Distress?” At themoment, he was the cause of her distress. All she wanted was to get rid of FBIAgent Tony Crazaniak.

Her attentionsnagged on the Tahoe in front of them, which attempted a jackrabbit start,fishtailed, and landed in a snow bank.

“Maybe when youget out, you could give the guy in the Tahoe a hand.”

“You needprotection.”

She reached intothe glove box and whipped out a gold lipstick tube. “I’ve got it.” Pepperspray. She waggled bouquet de Red Hot Chili Pepper at him.

“You need myprotection.”

“How do I knowyou’re really an FBI agent?” She flipped off the top.

He eyed her smallbut effective weapon.

“Come on, Shannon,don’t mess around.” Raising his hands in surrender, he leaned away and graspedthe door handle. “I don’t think you want to do that.”

“All I want is togo home. Alone…please.”

A nanosecondlater, she found herself watching him stuff her pepper spray into his pocket.She didn’t know how the exchange had happened. Other than fast.

“Protectivecustody.” He patted his pocket. “I’ll get you home safely, and you won’t evenhave to whistle.”

Dear God, she wastrapped in her car with a man who oozed so much male charisma she felt like shewas drowning in testosterone.

“Seriously, how doI know your ID is legit? You could be an ax murderer for all I know.”

“You want to callthe Bureau?” He offered his cell phone. “You can get the number frominformation. You wouldn’t want to trust a suspected mass murderer for thecorrect number.”

She rolled hereyes.

“It’s listed underFederal Bureau of Investigation. They’ll vouch that I’m a really nice guy.”

When she took thephone, his body heat clung to it and warmed her palm, irritatingly so. “Areyou, really?”

“What, hiding anax under my jacket?”

“No.” She scowledand thumbed in 411. It didn’t hurt to check him out. “Are you really a niceguy?”

“What do youthink?”

She thought hewanted to interrogate her. And none of the nice guys she knew were pumped likeHercules. Rather than answering him, she spoke into the phone, “I’d like thenumber for the Federal Bureau of Investigation.”

The car behindthem honked, and she turned her attention to driving and squeezed past thestranded Tahoe. While edging into the intersection, she concentrated on thesnow squall, the taillights of the car ahead of them, and on memorizing thenumbers the automated voice was reciting in her ear.

“Look out!”Crazaniak yelled as the Lexus materialized from the right, racing toward them.“The bastard must have turned off somewhere and circledaround.”

“Jeez, he’s goingto ram us!” Shannon dropped the phone and stomped the gas pedal. The tireswhined and spun and finally dug beneath the slush. But when rubber foundtraction, the car catapulted forward too fast.

Streetlightswhirled.

Her 944 swappedends twice on the glazed surface and came to a dead stop in the middle of theintersection.

The Lexus revvedits engine, its wheels pelting ice. Then rocketed toward them for a secondattack.

Paralyzed, Shannonfroze in terror. Every muscle in her body locked up. Static electricity liftedthe hair at her nape. An image of the accident two years ago flashed throughher mind.

“Hit the gas! Hit the gas!”

~*~

INTERVIEW:

Howdid you get started in writing, and how long have you been writing for?

Iremember writing my first romance when I was in seventh grade. It was anEnglish project, a short story, that I tied into the history subject of the jour—apair of young French lovers who had been kept apart because of the hero's falseimprisonment until Bastille Day reunited them. During high school, I was editorof my school newspaper, and for all of my adult life I've been writing"something." But it wasn't until my daughter and I decided wecould write a romance, that I tried a full length book. We completed twocategory length romantic suspense novels. They never sold, but I still believewith some reworking they have potential. Each one holds a soft spot in my heartbecause we so much fun working on them together.

Whatgenre do you enjoy reading? Do you stick with what you write, or 'play thefield'?

Romanicsuspense is where it's at for me. The only thing better than reading a RS iswriting one. I realized when I looked at my bookshelves that most of my booksare either RS (Stacey Joy Netzel titles top and center) or mainstreamsuspense. Gregg Hurwitz is an awesome suspense writer that I especiallyenjoy. But I'm game for any really well written book and like to start out eachday with reading something that inspires me to write fresh. Margie Lawsonand Mary Buckham always have good examples of fresh writing on their web orblog sites. Tanya French, author of In the Woods, is anotherinspiring author. Now that I have a Kindle, I'm focusing on many excellentofferings available from fellow TWRP writers, as well as many WisRWA author'swhose books are only available electronically.

(Thanks, Mal, I'm glad you've enjoyed my books. )

Whatdo you find most challenging in the writing process?

Nowthat I've had a book published, I find it harder and harder to find time towork on my WIP. Many time-consuming projects have a way of saying"me first," while I know finishing the next book should be the mostimportant item on my agenda.

Whatdo you enjoy most?

Startinga new story and creating the characters, although working out a plot withoutholes can be a challenge.

Whatdo you have in store for readers after they've enjoyed Shadow of Deceit?

Too Sexy for His Stetson, a RS set in Idaho where a rookiedeputy and her training officer try to stay focused on business—the whitesupremacist gang that's threatening their Idaho mountain community—while fightingthe forbidden attraction that sparks between them. Also in the works, is anAdrenaline Series that features an uncover FBI counter-terrorism team. I'm alsooffering two free short stories, which are available on my website, atSmashwords, and at most other ebook retailers. Me and Brad is aheart-warming sweet romance while Danger Zone is an adrenaline-kicked RSthat introduces one of the characters from Shadow of Deceit.

You can find Mal at her website: www.malolson.com

Mal Olson writes adrenaline-kicked romantic suspense. When her consuming passion for writing allows time, she enjoys reading, flower gardening, jamming with friends on the mountain dulcimer, and hiking in a nearby state forest (or in the mountains somewhere). She has three grown children and one granddaughter and resides with her own special hero in southeast Wisconsin where she juggles writing time with her freelance landscape design business.

And check out Shadow of Deceit's book trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MN-ph78gic

Buy links: The Wild Rose Press, Amazon

I enjoyed Me and Brad, but didn't know about Danger Zone. I'll have to check that one out.

Thank you so much to Mal for being here today! Remember to comment with your email contact and she will pick a winner on Friday.

Have a great week!

Stacey Joy Netzel

Read an Ebook Week!

2012-03-06T00:21:00.000-06:00

March 6 & 7th ONLY

In honor of Read an Ebook Week, my awesome publisher The Wild Rose Press is offering the first book in my Colorado Trust Series for FREE on March 6 & 7th. Hurry to grab your copy before the sale is over!

Get TRUST IN THE LAWE FREE this Tuesday and Wednesday!

The Wild Rose Press has also put ebook versions of the rest of the series on sale!

~~$5.25~~ $4.23

~~$4.99~~ $4.49

While you're over there, check out some of their other sales as well.

As always, Happy Reading!!

Stacey Joy Netzel

Sunday Share: An Island No More, by Casey Clifford

2012-03-04T02:00:00.000-06:00

Today I'm very happy to have award-winning author Casey Clifford with her new release AN ISLAND NO MORE. While I haven't read this book yet (it's on my Nook), I have read Casey's other books and thoroughly enjoyed them! (Black Ribbon Affair and Fireweed).

She's giving away an ebook copy of AN ISLAND NO MORE, so once you've finished reading, don't forget to comment for a chance to win! Before we get into the great excerpt Casey's sharing today, here's a bit more about her.

Iconsider myself a seasoned woman and aspire to become a seasoned writer. Atthis point, I’m no longer a
“new” writer, but I’m still meeting new challenges and learning with everywriting project I take on. I’ve raised four sons. I’ve been divorced and singleparented for 10 years. When I met my second husband, my older sons determined Ishould marry him before I did. However, I soon enough realized he was theperfect guy for me and we’ve been married for going on 33 years.
BeforeI retired, I taught college, mostly writing classes and social andinterpersonal behavior/communications. I love to read, take photos (which go onmy blog), bake and cook sometimes, visit my friends, and enjoy my family. Myhubby and I love to travel and do so whenever we can. Every part of my life andexperience I have becomes fodder for something that could end up in my books.
Finally,today is my oldest son’s birthday. Doing a guest interview as I am today was afar away dream back then. But if you stay true to your goals, you will achieve.I have; so has he.

1. How did you get started in writing, andhow long have you been writing for?
I’vewritten ever since I can remember--I’ve gone from long hand on a tablet, to amanual typewriter, an electric typewriter, a Commodore 64, an Atari, to anearly desktop where one chapter took half a floppy disk. At least I didn’tstart out with carving into stone. J
As forwriting with a clear goal of getting published and making a few dollars, well,that came with retirement--to my second career as a fiction writer. I retiredin 2000--new millennium, new career. Of course, I was only 27 when I retired.;-)
2. What genre do you enjoy reading? Do youstick with what you write, or 'play the field'?
I readmostly Romantic Suspense, mysteries, and Women’s Fiction. I will enjoy awell-written historical and some light paranormal. I play the field if a friendhighly recommends something different or if a writer friend/colleague produceda novel in a different genre. Of course, I read craft books and try to get anon-fiction book in every now and then though lately that’s been mostlyrelegated to research for new books.
3. What do you find most challenging in thewriting process?
Mygreatest challenge lately is finding all the time I need to do all that needsto be done for promoting and marketing my work and myself. In fact, if I canfind an excuse to avoid it, I will--this is NOT a good trait. And now that I’vebared my failings to an audience, perhaps I’ll be able to get over it.
4. What do you enjoy most?
Well, if you’re talking about writing…Mostenjoyable for me is revision becausethat’s where my initial vision begins to sparkle.
5. What do you have in store for readersnext?
Rightnow I’m revising the second in the Dessert Dames series. My goal is to have itready to publish sometime this summer. And I’m doing what I call my “mind” workfor the next book in my RS Affair series. I also have this monster (in size)book that should really be revised and broken into 2 books. But that’s aproject for still more thought.
Readers can also find me atmy blog http://caseyclifford.wordpress.com/where I blog every Sunday. Generally I try to have a topic most readers andwriters will enjoy.

Casey's blog is an absolute treasure for everyone, writers and readers alike. And I absolutely love what Casey said about revision... "that's where my initial vision begins to sparkle."

So, without further ado, here's her excerpt from the book that garnered 5 STARS at The Romance Studio.

"This suspense filled romance kept me glued to the book, unable to put it down." ~ Jaye Leyel

An Island No More, by Casey Clifford

Genre: Romantic Suspense
Heat Level: Spicy

Buy at: Amazon Barnes & Noble

College professor Maggie Meehan thinks she can tackle anychallenge alone, but when an old flame returns to campus he puts hercareer--and her heart--in jeopardy...

With a daughter to support, Maggie wants the job securitythat comes from achieving college tenure. The likelihood of that lessens whenSeth Baldwin, a man from her past, arrives on campus with tenure and a heftysalary. Sparks blaze between them that have nothing to do with their careersand everything to do with their hearts.

When Maggie's abusive ex-husband shows up making demandsand a disturbed student hassles her, Maggie wants to tough it out on her own.But when a series of murders rocks the campus and Maggie is threatened and evenassaulted, Seth refuses to let her face the ordeal alone.

Can Seth's love strengthen Maggie enough to overcome akiller bent on her destruction?

EXCERPT:

“What I’d really like to know, Maggie, is in which role youthink I most resemble him? James Bond, perhaps?”

At that unexpected voice, Maggie’s heart slammed againsther rib cage. Her tummy plummeted to her swollen feet. She spotted theBondish-sly grin accompanying Seth’s words as he walked through the doorwaywith Emily close behind. Giggling, her daughter looked quite pleased withherself.

“More like his role in Lawnmower Man,” she snapped herconversational dart.

“Ouch…you’re killing me here. Lawnmower Man?”

“On second thought?” She cocked her head. “Maybe moreRemington Steele. Inept. But perfectly attired—whatever the occasion orweather. And in reruns.” She eyed Seth’s casual appearance: pressed khakishorts, polo shirt in a rich teal, comfortable boat shoes, no socks while shewas barefoot and bare-faced.

“Reruns! Lawnmower Man. Woman, you show fangs early in themorning.”

“I wasn’t expecting company.” Despite herself, she laughed,and Seth walked across the patio with Emily at his side. He stood next to thelounge and peered down at her. She didn’t squirm but returned his stare. If hemade comparisons to last night, he shouldn’t come calling unannounced. The warmmorning sun turned her sweaty.

Of course, he looked cool and polished.

“Ahh, Mom needs more coffee. Would you like some, too,Professor Baldwin?” Emily grabbed an empty cup from the table next to thelounge. Maggie nodded and so did Seth.

“If Maggie doesn’t mind?” He stared into her face.

Could he read her emotions? She hoped not. She bit herlower lip, sighed, and leaned her head against the back of the chair. “Bringtwo cups, please, Em. Professor Baldwin and I have some talking to do.” Herheart hammered in a chest not sufficiently covered—at least with Seth Baldwinaround.

“Good, I asked him to stay for breakfast. Is that okay?”

“You did what?”

Emily smile slithered away and Seth looked uneasy—for thefirst time. “He didn’t accept. After I bring coffee, you can talk and I won’tbother you.” Emily walked away, less confident than before.

“I didn’t mean to cause a rift.”

“I’m sure you have better things to do than join us forbreakfast.”

“Actually, I don’t. Mind if I have a seat?”

“Take your choice.” She pointed to chairs several feetaway. Contrary as she remembered him, he settled his lanky length at the faredge of her lounge. She ignored the skip in her heartbeat.

“I like the view better here.” He grinned which enhancedthe smile brackets at his mouth. “Plus we don’t have to raise our voices.”

“Why’re you here?”

“To see you. An added bonus is discovering Emily.” Helowered his deep voice. “I didn’t know you had a daughter, Maggie. She’s delightful,charming, and full of spirit. Just like you…”

~*~

Thanks to Casey for being here today! Visit Casey at her blog http://caseyclifford.wordpress.com/ and don't forget to leave a comment and your email contact for a chance to win an ebook copy of AN ISLAND NO MORE.

Have a great week!

Stacey Joy Netzel

Sunday Share: Perpetual Emotions, by Jamie Salsbury

2012-02-26T02:00:00.000-06:00

Hello to Jamie Salsbury today, visiting with Perpetual Emotions, her second book in the Albert and Anne Series. This is a continuing series, so here's the blurb for the first book.

Perpetual Love: A 1860s historical romance. Based in the territory of Nevada, Anne is a guest with her father at Albert Stuart's family ranch. Albert dreads having to entertain yet another of his father's friends' daughters. However, he is blown away with Anne for when the two meet it is as though two worlds collided. They become inseperable. Anne's father however, has his own agenda and is determined that neither of the young lovers will ruin it for him.

Perpetual Emotions, by Jamie Salisbury

Genre: Historical western romance
Heat Level: sweet to sensual

The continuing story of Albert and Anne, Perpetual Emotions picks up with the couple settling into their new life as husband and wife. Both headstrong, their love and determination lead them on the road of life as they attempt to establish their roles within their marriage.
The book is filled with twists and turns, both good and bad.
Anne's father reappears; this time determined to get his hands on the money she's inherited. By any means. . .

EXCERPT:

“That’sgood,” the doctor began, “you need to rest. Now let’s take a look at you andsee how you’re doing.”

Peter had her slip her dress off and beganhis examination. When he finished, he began, “Your face is looking much better,in a few days the discoloration will be completely gone. Your head is healingwell, and the bruises on your arms are much better. I see your wrists are stillchaffed; keep using the cream I left for you. Otherwise, you are doingextremely well; you do not have to stay in bed anymore. You may move around thehouse as long as you don’t overdo. No riding for a while, other than in acarriage, and slowly you can resume your normal routine.”

“Thank you, Peter, I am feeling muchbetter,” she said.

“But remember, any headaches or dizziness,come and see me immediately,” the doctor cautioned.

“She will,” Albert promised.

“Well, I’m finished here, I’ve sick peopleto see,” the doctor said, smiling.

“I’ll walk you out,” Albert told him.

Once outside Peter asked, “Has she recalledanything?”

“No, she hasn’t mentioned a thing. Ithought that was why she was so restless last night, possibly recalling thatday, but she didn’t mention it when she woke up.”

“Gradually it will come back and hopefullyit won’t be too traumatic for her. I can tell she is more relaxed today thanshe was yesterday. She feels safe and secure here with you and that is what sheneeds. Let her begin to return to her normal activities, just do not let heroverdo, she is still weak. It’s also time you got back to your routine, Albert.Anne is going to be fine. I feel she is well enough that I don’t need to stopby anymore. However, I’d like to see her in my office in two weeks,” the doctortold him.

When Albert returned to their room, Annewas all ready up, opening windows, and straightening the room.

“Just what do you think you’re doing?” heasked.

“Straightening up in here a bit, Peter saidI could resume my normal routine,” she answered.

“He said you could begin doingthings, he didn’t mean to jump out of bed and start tearing through the house,”he cautioned.

Putting her arms around Albert’s neck shetold him, “I am not tearing through the house. Now calm down, you heardPeter, I’m doing fine.”

“Yes, my dear, I heard him say that youcould gradually return to your normal routine. When I walked Peter out,I took the liberty of telling Mary she could go back to Sky Valley. I’m sure myfamily would like to see her and I can see to our needs,” he said, adding,“We’ll be alone tonight.”

“Mmmm,” she murmured, nibbling on his ear,“yes, we must do as Peter said and get back to our normal routine.”

“But for now, I want you to lie back down,Peter interrupted your nap,” Albert told her.

“I’m not tired, Albert,” she replied.

“You need to get your strength back and theonly way that is going to happen is if you rest. You don’t have to sleep.”

“Alright, I will, if you will join me, youneed to sleep more than I, you’re exhausted. I wouldn’t be able to rest knowingyou weren’t,” she countered.

“Alright, you win, I’ll lie down with youfor a while,” he said, slipping off his boots before joining her on the bed.

Thirty minutes later, Anne lay therewide-awake, staring at the ceiling. Albert however, was sound asleep, his armaround her, his head on her shoulder. It had taken him all of five minutes tofall asleep.

I would love a cup of tea, she thought, lying there. I could slip downstairsand have a cup before Albert wakes. He’ll never even know I was gone.

Deciding upon a course of action, sheslowly slipped from his grasp, gently laying his head upon her pillow. Takingher time descending the stairs, she barely made it to the kitchen before abellowing voice resounded throughout the house, ”Anne, damnit!” followed by footsteps coming down the stairs…fast.

Anne braced herself for the scolding sheknew was inevitable. Meeting him at the kitchen door, she rushed to explain,“Albert, I was thirsty…I wanted some tea. You were sleeping well for the firsttime and I didn’t want…”

“Enough! You promised you’d rest and thesecond my back is turned…”he said, his face dark with anger.

“Your back wasn’t turned, she explained,trying to assuage his anger, “you were sleeping …I didn’t want to disturb youfor something I could get for myself, I’m sorry I worried you.”

“Damn it Anne! For once couldn’t you justdo as I ask?”

“There is no need to shout and curse,Albert. I admit I should have…” she began.

“I don’t seem to get your attention unlessI raise my voice,” he roared, interrupting her.

“Now that is enough Albert! There isno need for you to rant and rave like this. I was only thinking of you.”

“You weren’t thinking of me, if you wereyou would have done as I asked,” he pointed out. “Can’t you understand that youare still very weak? What if you had gotten on the stairs, become light-headed,and fell? You could have been hurt…”

“But, I didn’t,” she said calmly.

“Damn it! Don’t you hear what I am saying?”he raged.

“Yes dear, I can hear you and there is agood chance everyone for miles around can hear you also. I said I was sorry, Idid not want to bother you when for the first time in days, and you wereactually relaxed and sleeping soundly. Now you’ve made your point and we shouldmove on,” she replied.

“Anne, when are you going to learn thatthere are times, and this is one of them, that you must do as I say, whetheryou like it or not.”

“You best stop right there, Albert Stuart,”she warned, her temper rising. “You do not tell me what to do, just as Iwould never dream of telling you what to do. I didn’t fall down the steps, Ihave no headaches, no dizziness, and I am fine! But if you don’t stop yourbellowing, I am going to develop a headache!”

“You are just too independent for your owngood,” he said, muttering under his breath.

“Excuse me? I don’t believe I heard youcorrectly,” she replied.

“I said you were too damn independent foryour own good!”

“You once told me you loved myindependence. That you found it refreshing for a woman to be so…” she remindedhim.

“I know what I said,” he interrupted, “thatwas then, this is now. You are now my wife and I will make the decisionsregarding your well-being. It’s time you started listening to me and doing as Isay.”

“I will not be dictated to by you oranyone else! I love you with everything in me, but I must tell you Albert, youare being unreasonable. You are making a big deal out of something verytrivial…”

“Trivial?”he said, raising his voice again. “It is not trivial that my wiferefuses to listen to me regarding her well-being.”

Knowing if this went any further, theywould have a full-blown argument; Anne decided to take a different path withhim. Moving closer, she slipped her arms around his waist, looking up at himshe began, “Albert, I do listen to you and value your advice. It is silly forboth of us to get so upset over something so insignificant.”

As he started to reply, she placed herfingers over his lips telling him, “I’m sorry, you’re right, I shouldn’t havecome down here alone this soon. I’m sorry that I upset you so, I didn’t meanto.”

Albert stood staring at her in silence. Shehad left him nothing else to say, he knew that she was trying to defuse thesituation and his temper soon cooled. As he held her he said, “No more littleescapades Anne. I want you well and that can’t happen if you are reckless.”

~*~

About Jamie: "I have always written,it was something that came naturally. Fortunately later on in life, it servedwell in my professional careers. I was raised primarily in the PacificNorthwest, but also lived in South America growing up. Now as an adult, Icurrently reside in North Georgia. I love to travel, hike, cycle, anythingequestrian and photography."

Author web site: http://jamiesalisbury.webs.com/
Author Blog site: http://www.jamiesalisburyauthor.blogspot.com

Where to get your copy of Perpetual Emotions:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Perpetual-Emotions-Albert-Anne-ebook/dp/B0072II3PC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1328115571&sr=8-1

Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/perpetual-emotions-jamie-salisbury/1108453578?ean=2940014061940&itm=1&usri=perpetual+emotions+by+jamie+salisbury

Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/121611

Thanks again for being here today Jamie! Best of luck with your newest release and wishing you much success. :)

Have a great week, everyone!

Stacey Joy Netzel

Sunday Share: Deadly Obsession, by Kristine Cayne + Giveaway

2012-02-19T02:00:00.000-06:00

Welcome Kristine Cayne! Thank you for being here and sharing an excerpt and ebook giveaway of Deadly Obsession.

DEADLY OBSESSION, by Kristine Cayne

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Heat Level: Spicy

Whenan Oscar-winning movie star meets a department-store photographer…

Moviestar Nic Lamoureux appears to have a playboy’s perfect life. But it’s a part heplays, an act designed to conceal a dark secret he carries on his shoulders.His empty days and nights are a meaningless blur until he meets the woman whofulfills all his dreams. She and her son are the family he’s always wanted—ifshe can forgive a horrible mistake from his past.

AHollywood dream…

LaurenJames, a widowed single mother, earns barely enough money to support herselfand her son. When she wins a photography contest and meets Nic, the man whostars in all her fantasies, her dreams, both professional and personal, are onthe verge of becoming real. The attraction between Lauren and Nic isinstant—and mutual. Their chemistry burns out of control during a photo shootthat could put Lauren on the fast track to a lucrative career.

Becomesa Hollywood nightmare

Butan ill-advised kiss makes front-page news, and the lurid headlines threateneverything Nic and Lauren have hoped for. Before they know what’s happening,their relationship is further rocked by an obsessed and cunning stalker who’llstop at nothing—not even murder—to have Nic to herself. When Nic falls forLauren, the stalker zeroes in on her as the competition.

Andthe competition must be eliminated.

EXCERPT:
“Lift your outside knee and anchor your leg with your foot.”Lauren checked the scene through the camera lens. Then she adjusted theposition of his raised knee, angling it toward the edge of the bed.

Although her touch was light, Nic’s skin burned where herhand wrapped around his knee. He wanted her to slide her fingers higher ….

Rein it in, lover boy. With the stalker breathing down hisneck, jealous of the women around him, the timing couldn’t be worse. He wantedto get to know Lauren, not get her killed.

Oblivious to her effect on him, Lauren backed away.“Perfect. Now raise your right arm and grab the headboard.” She reached intoone of her cargo pockets. “I’m going to hand you a knife. Hold it in your lefthand and place the blade flat on your left thigh.”

“Lorna dear, is that really necessary?” Vivian asked, hervoice coated with high-fructose corn syrup.

Lauren made a face. “The shot won’t work without theknife.”

Nic glanced at Vivian and frowned. “Lauren knows what she’sdoing. She’s a professional.”

Vivian flashed him a broad smile, then turned to Lauren.“Of course she is, darling.” Sarcasm dripped from her voice like venom from aviper’s fangs.

“Viv, play nice.” She wanted the best for him, but if shedidn’t tone it down, she’d ruin the shoot.

Lauren unsheathed a long silver bayonet and handed it tohim. As he followed her instructions, she checked the composition of the shot.A frown marred her forehead.

“I’m not getting this right, am I?” he asked.

“Almost. But the knife needs to be higher.” As she leanedover his shoulder, she very slowly slid her hand along his leg, pulling hishand higher until the blade lay diagonally along his upper thigh, pointing tohis groin. He sucked in a breath. His muscles quivered under the warmth of herhand, so close to where he wanted it to be. “I won’t hurt you,” she said in herlow sexy voice.

“Too late for that, machère.” He groaned at the thought of her hand on him.

Her face coloring, she snatched her hand back and returnedto her camera. “Perfect,” she said, taking shots from different angles. Out ofnowhere, a wave of exhaustion crashed over him. He yawned widely and hiseyelids drooped. “Hey, Nic. You okay?”

“Just tired. Vivian, could you get me some more coffee?”

“Whatever you need, darling,” Vivian said as she refilledhis cup. “How much longer will this take, Lorna?

Rolling her eyes, Lauren turned to Nic. “Just a few moreshots, then we’re done.” She walked around the bed. “Lie on your side, please.”

Grinning, he grabbed the pillow and placed it under hishead as if settling down for the night. Now that was an idea. He was so damntired.

“Maybe you could rest your elbow on the pillow and holdyour head up?”

Trying to get some more hands-on action, he placed his handbehind his neck, crooking his head back at an awkward angle. When she shook herhead, Nic swallowed a laugh. She set her camera on the nightstand and tugged onhis shoulder to pull it forward. He resisted and, when she let go, rolled ontohis back. Eyes closed, he lay there, waiting.

Lauren shook his shoulder. “Nic.”

He opened his eyes and met her concerned gaze. What thehell was wrong with him? He’d spent most of the night watching TV, but still…

He’d never fallenasleep on the job.

A loud commotion in the hallway startled him. Heartpounding, he jack-knifed in the bed. The door flew open and slammed against thewall. Without waiting to see who it was, he jumped up and pulled Lauren back.With the bed between her and the door, he pushed her to the floor. If theassailant had a gun, she’d be safe. Feet apart, fists clenched, he turned toface the intruder.

Relief crashed over Nic when he recognized several membersof the paparazzi squeezing into the room. He helped Lauren to her feet. Hereyes were glazed with confusion. Coming here without a bodyguard had been morethan stupid; it had been irresponsible. The reporters would wonder why he’dreacted so aggressively, and he absolutely didn’t want them to catch wind ofhis troubles with the stalker. He owed it to Vivian to turn this near fiascointo a photo op.

There was only one solution. With a resigned sigh, hepulled Lauren close, crushing her breasts against his chest.

“Oh no, you don’t,” she hissed. “I’m not one of yourPaparazzi Girls.”

She wasn’t happy, but what could he do? Nic The Lover always found a Paparazzi Girl whencameras were around. His gaze darted between her and the photographers. Hearched a brow.

She rolled her eyes. “Fine. Do it.”

He bent down and brushed his lips against hers. For thefirst few seconds, she didn’t kiss him back, but she didn’t push him away,either. Then, on a sigh, she leaned into him and her arms locked around hisneck. His tongue darted out to taste her bottom lip. Mmm… cherry—his newfavorite flavor. When her mouth opened, he didn’t hesitate.

He dove in. And drowned.

He’d meant this to be a quick kiss, only he couldn’t stop. His lips traced a path to her throat. Cuppingher bottom with his hands, he lifted her up, grinding against her. She moaned.It was a beautiful sound, one he definitely wanted to hear again.

A loud noise pierced the fog of his lust. He raised hishead from where he’d been nuzzling Lauren’s apple-scented neck to tell whoeverit was to f*** off, but as the sexual haze cleared, he swallowed the words. Thepaparazzi had gathered around, applauding and calling out crude encouragements.Some snapped photos while others rolled film. Shit. He’d pay for this f***-up and so would she.

~*~

Kristine Cayne is fascinated by themysteries of human psychology—twisted secrets, deep-seated beliefs,out-of-control desires. Add in high-stakes scenarios and real-world villains,and you have a story worth writing, and reading.

The heroes and heroines of her DeadlyVices series, beginning with Deadly Obsession, are pitted againsteach other by their radically opposing life experiences. By overcoming theirdifferences and finding common ground, they triumph over their enemies and findtrue happiness in each other’s arms.

Today she lives in the Pacific Northwest, thriving on themix of cultures, languages, religions and ideologies. When she’s not writing,she’s people-watching, imagining entire life stories, and inventing all sortsof danger for the unsuspecting heroes and heroines who cross her path.

Deadly Obsessionis available in print and/or e-book format at the following retailers:

Amazonebook (http://amzn.com/B006SP32Q0)

Amazonprint (http://amzn.com/0984903402)

AmazonUK (http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B006SP32Q0)

Barnesand Noble (http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/deadly-obsession-kristine-cayne/1108117594?ean=2940013699441&itm=1&usri=deadly+obsession+cayne)

Smashwords(http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/119155)

AllRomance eBooks (http://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-deadlyobsession-668769-149.html)

Kobo(http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Deadly-Obsession/book-NknqJYU8LECdKUfPmCdabA/page1.html)

iTunesUSA: USA: http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/isbn9780984903412

Where to find Kristine Cayne:

New Releases List: (http://site.kristinecayne.com/Newsletter.html) or (https://www.facebook.com/KristineCayneAuthor?sk=app_100265896690345)
Website/blog at (htttp://www.kristinecayne.com)
Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/KristineCayneAuthor)
Twitter (http://twitter.com/KristineCayne)
Goodreads (http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5428452.Kristine_Cayne)

Awesome excerpt, Kristen! Thank you very much for being here! Readers don't forget to comment and leave your email contact for your chance to win an ebook copy of Deadly Obsession. Kristen will pick a winner on Wednesday.

Have a wonderful week!

Stacey Joy Netzel

Sunday Share: The Knight and Maggie's Baby, by Lisa Mondello

2012-02-12T09:21:00.000-06:00

Today Lisa Mondello is sharing an excerpt of The Knight and Maggie’s Babyplus she’s giving away a copy to one commenter. Read the excerpt and you’lldefinitely want to get in on a chance for a copy of this book! (Or better yet,buy a copy right away and start reading.)

The Knight and Maggie's Baby, by Lisa Mondello

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Heat level: sensual

Amazon,BN, KOBO

Sometimes fateneeds a little help…

Jonah Wallace knows what it’s like to grow up without love. Despite having moremoney than the Queen of England, his childhood was cold and stale as he grew upin boarding schools. He’s dedicated his life to helping homeless and displacedchildren find the love and support they need by creating the Haven HouseFoundation, work that resulted in him being Knighted by the Queen.

Now that he’s living in America, his work is going along just fine…until hisgrandfather gives fate a little nudge by insisting he take a wife before he caninherit.

Coffee shop owner, Maggie Bonelli, is pregnant and the baby’s dad has goneAWOL. She knows too well the pain of growing up without a daddy. So when JonahWallace comes into her shop proposing marriage for a year, she takes him up onhis offer, even if it’s only for a year. Live in a mansion and give her baby aname and a daddy to call his/her own. But can they keep their perfectarraignment strictly business…or will fate’s helping hand bring them love atlast?

EXCERPT:

“Jonah?” Maggie'svoice was just a breath above a whisper, sheer music to his ears.

“Yes, Maggie, it's me.”

Her hands flew to her eyes and she rubbed them with theheels of her palms before looking up at him again. “For a minute I thought I was dreaming.”

Jonah couldn't help but smile, and wondered what kind ofdreams she was having to make her look so peaceful and angelic when he'd firstcome into the room. Was she dreaming ofhim? Of the baby? Of the life she'd have once she and the babyhad left him?

A fire began to brew deep in his gut. He wanted to think she'd been dreaming abouthim. Just as he'd spent all his timedoing lately.

“I'm sorry I woke you,” he said, absorbing the spacebetween the closet and the bed.

He was by her side in an instant, sitting beside her on thebed. He wasn't quite sure how he'dgotten from point A to B, but there he was, reaching out to her because hecouldn't help himself. He needed totouch her. Now that she was awake, itwas like an invitation. One he couldn'trefuse.

“No, don't apologize. I...” She buried her face in herhands.

On impulse, he saddled up beside her in the middle of thebig bed, gently pulling her hands away from her face.

“Maggie? What isit?”

She shook her head. “I shouldn't be here.”

She was trembling. When Jonah tilted her chin up to look at her, tears streamed down hercheeks, and his heart nearly shattered. Oh, God, he never should have gone to England and left her alone.

Frantically brushing her hair away from her face, he said,“What's happened? Why are you crying?”

She sniffed, taking in big gulps of air in an effort tocontrol herself, but she lost the battle and wailed, “I'm fa-a-a-a-ttt!”

“Wha, what are you talking about?”

“I came...in...to...your room tonight.” Maggie sniffed a few more times and hiccuppedsome sobs back before going on. “Ididn't have anything...comfortable to wear...anymore and I thought...”

Jonah glanced down at her clothes and for the first timerealized that Maggie was wearing one of his white dress shirts. She was naked beneath his shirt! Even as pregnant as she was the shirt leftroom to spare and hung dangerously low off her bare shoulders. The sleeves were cuffed a few times andbagged on her arms.

Jonah's insides jumped into overdrive, making his groingrow hard. He couldn't believe just howimpossibly sexy Maggie could be eight months pregnant wearing a plain whitecotton shirt. He longed to run his handover her thighs like he'd dreamed of doing so many times when he'd lain awakeat night in this very room without her. And now she was here, in his bed and naked beneath his shirt. Oh, Lord, have mercy!

Trying to ignore his aching arousal, he stated theobvious. “Of course you're going to getbigger. You're pregnant.”

She threw him a cynical look and sniffed, wiping her nosewith the back of her hand. “Nokidding. It's kind of hard for me toforget.”

He couldn't help but laugh, but stopped the instant hersobs erupted again. He scooped her intohis arms.

She wailed against his bare shoulder. “I came in here tonight because I...nothingfit me and I thought...I'd be able to fit into one of your shirts.”

“That's okay. Youlook...” Oh, Lord, he was introuble. What could he possibly tell herthat would help? Hey, Maggie, you're thesexiest creature I've ever seen and you're driving me insane right now? My whole body is tight and aching because Iwant to make love to you? Rightnow. I want to be inside you right thisdamned minute!

Somehow he didn't think telling her the truth was going tohelp.

“Huge! That's what Ilook like,” she finally said. “I'm bigand fat and-”

“What on earth are you talking about?”

“Look at me. I'm asbig as a house!” she sobbed, throwing her hands down the front of her to revealher ample belly.

Jonah pulled her back into a tight embrace, reveling in thefeeling of her body so close to his, feeling the swells of her full breastspress against his bare chest, knowing that nothing lay between them now but thethin cotton of his dress shirt. It wasdriving him insane. And right now, hedecided sanity was way over rated.

With her head tucked under his chin, he chuckled at thelunacy of it. She didn't have a cluewhat she did to him.

“Maggie, I wish you could see yourself through my eyes.”

“Believe me, I do. I'm getting so wide I'm filling up the mirror.”

“Don't be like that.”

“How can I not? Howcan you possibly look at me and not be completely turned off?”

A wry grin tugged at his mouth. “Were you hoping I would be turned on?”

Pulling away, she averted her gaze. Even in the darkness, he could tell she wasblushing. And he wondered just how muchof her body was blushing. Oh, how he wantedto know.

She sniffed back another sob and flipped a lock of hairbehind her ear. But it was no use, withher head bent down it fell back into her face.

Jonah tipped her chin up, then brushed his fingers alongher jaw. “Because if that's the case,then you got your wish.”

~*~

Dear Readers:

Most of the time we read romances where the love scenes arebetween a man and a woman and the woman is NOT pregnant. I don't knowmany woman who feel their sexy best when they're 8 months pregnant, and theheroine in The Knight and Maggie's Baby is no different. I recall beingpregnant and not being able to see my feet. This is where Maggie's at inthis scene. And the way Sir Jonah Wallace handles it is...oh, sosweet. Makes me fall in love with him all over again! Here is avery touching and loving scene from The Knight and Maggie's Baby.

The Knight and Maggie's Baby is Book 3 in my Fate with a HelpingHands series, also available as a BOX SET.

     The Knight and Maggie's Baby Book 3 (Fate with a Helping Hand)
     The Marriage Contract Book 2 (Fate with a Helping Hand)
     All I Want for Christmas is You Book 1 (Fate with a Helping Hand) .99cent

Where to find Lisa: http://www.lisamondello.blogspot.com

Leave a comment or question (and contact email, please) for Lisaand you could win a copy of THE KNIGHT AND MAGGIE’S BABY! She will pick awinner on Wednesday.

Thank you so much for sharing with us today, Lisa. Have a great week!

StaceyJoy Netzel

Sunday Share: The Rodeo Man's Daughter, by Barbara White Daille + giveaway

2012-02-05T08:56:00.000-06:00

Award-winning Harlequin author Barbara White Daille is with ustoday. Welcome, Barbara! I have to say, after reading this excerpt, redemptionstories are right up my alley and I’m going to have to get a copy on my Nook. You pretty much hooked me with the first two lines and it just got better from there.

Ihope you have a great blog tour and am happy to be hosting you here!

Without further ado, here’s The Rodeo Man's Daughter, by Barbara White Daille.

Genre: Short ContemporaryRomance

Heat level: Sweet

Buy links: Harlequin,Amazon, Barnes & Noble

After growing up dirt-poor and lookeddown upon by folks in town, Caleb Cantrell took off while he was still a teen, headedfor fame and fortune. A near-fatal injury destroys his rodeodreams, and he returns to his hometown with the goal of settling scores withthe folks who’d done him wrong and then leaving them all behind for good. Despitehis rocky reunion with his high-school sweetheart, he finds his interest in herstill going strong. All of a sudden, he's got a hankering to hang around.

~~~

The Rodeo Man's Daughter excerpt:

Along memory made for bad company when a man had too much time on his hands.Especially when those hands held a sizable number of grudges.

CalebCantrell eased up on the gas pedal of the pickup truck he'd rented earlier thatmorning at the airport. He cut the engine and stepped down from the cab, hisworn boots hitting the ground and raising a cloud of dust. First time in tenyears he'd set foot in Flagman's Folly, New Mexico, and the layer of dirt thatnow marked him made it seem as if he'd never left.

Yethe'd come a hell of a long way since then.

Hereon the outskirts of town, he stood and stared across the unpaved road at theplace he'd once had to call home. After he'd left there, he'd slept in no-tellmotels, lived out of tour buses and trucks and, eventually, spent time inluxury hotels. Didn't matter where you went, you could always tell the folkswho took pride in ownership from the ones who didn't give a damn.

Evenhere, you could spot the evidence. Not a ritzy neighborhood, not a smallcommunity, just a collection of ramshackle houses and tarpaper shacks. A fewhad shiny windows and spindly flowers in terra-cotta pots. Some had no windowpanesat all. Here and there, he noted a metal-sided prefab home with too many coatsof paint on it and weeds poking through the cinder blocks holding it up.

Andsomewhere, beyond all that, he knew he'd find a handful of sun-bleachedtrailers, their only decoration the cheap curtains hanging inside. The fabricblocked the view into the units through the rusty holes eaten into their sides.

Sometimes,the curtains blocked sights no kid should see, of mamas doing things no mamashould do.

Swallowinghard, he retreated a pace, as if he'd felt the pull of one rust-corroded hulkin particular. It wouldn't still be there. It couldn't. But he had no intentionof going over there to make sure.

Acrossthe way, a gang of kids hung out near a sagging wire fence and a pile ofcast-off truck tires. Still quiet, but soon their laughter and loudconversations would start, followed by the shouts from inside the houses. Someof the houses, anyway.

Therough edges of his ignition key bit into his palm.

Inall the years he'd been gone from this town and with all the miles he'd logged,he should have shoved away everything that bothered him about this place.

Hehadn't forgotten a single one of them.

Thegang of kids had moved out of sight behind one of the shacks. A lone boy, eightor nine years old, stayed behind and stood watching him. Dark hair, a dirtyface. Torn T-shirt and skinned knees. Could have been Caleb, twenty years ago.

Thekid made his way across the road. "Hey," he said, "whatchadoing?"

"Justlooking around."

"What'swrong with your leg?"

Theboy must have noticed his awkward gait, the stiffness that always hit him afterhe sat in one position for a while. "I hurt my knee. Getting off abull."

"Thoughtyou were supposed to stay on 'em."

Heshrugged. "That one had other ideas." Not too bad—in those threequick sentences, he'd managed to bypass two years' worth of rehab and pain.

Thekid looked away and then quickly back again, shuffled his feet and jerked hischin up high. Caleb recognized the mix of pride and false bravado.

"Hey,mister…got a dollar?"

"Sure."How many times had he asked that question himself? How many times had he swornhe'd never ask it again? He reached into his pocket for his wallet, thumbed itopen and plucked out a bill without looking at it. "Here you go."

"Wow.Gee, thanks. Thanks a lot."

Calebgrinned. The boy's grubby fingers clutched a hundred-dollar bill. He turned andraced across the road as if fearing Caleb would change his mind. He wouldn't.He had plenty of money now.

Folksin town would sure be surprised to see him again, especially when he startedspending that cash. When he started showing them just how far he'd come. Maybethen they'd look at him differently than they had years ago.

Hisgrin fading, he shoved the wallet into his pocket and nodded.

Yeah.He'd show them, all right.

~*~

Barbara’s note to readers:

Hi! I hope you enjoyed the excerpt of A RODEO MAN'SDAUGHTER. I'm currently on a blog tour to celebrate the release of thebook. You can find full details at my website. Meanwhile, pleaseleave a comment or question for me here at Sunday Share, and your namewill be entered in a drawing for an autographed copy of A RANCHER'SPRIDE, the first book set in Flagman's Folly.

Website: www.barbarawhitedaille.com

Who is Barbara?

Originally from the East Coast,award-winning author Barbara White Daille now lives with her husband in thewarm, sunny Southwest, where they love the lizards in the front yard but coulddo without the scorpions in the bathroom.

From the time she was a toddler,Barbara found herself fascinated by those things her mom called"books." Once she learned thewords between the covers held the magic of storytelling, she wanted to see herwords in print so she could weave that spell for others.

Barbara hopes you will enjoy readingher stories and will find your own storytelling magic in them!

~*~

Leave acomment or question (and contact email, please) for Barbara and you could winan autographed copy of A RANCHER’S PRIDE. She will pick a winner on Wednesday.

Thank you so much for sharing with us today, Barbara. Have a great week everyone!

StaceyJoy Netzel

Launch Day at RG2E!

2012-02-01T02:00:00.000-06:00

It's launch day at the brand new Reader's Guide to Epublishing!

Click here to visit

From their site:

The Reader’s Guide to Epublishing!
Here at The RG2E it’s all about bringing you the Best in Ereading!
We’ll feature the Best Ebooks, the Best Indie Epub Authors, and the Best News, Technology and Giveaways regarding all-things Ereading.
And for those of you who are both Readers and Writers, check out our sister site The WG2E – The Writer’s Guide to Epublishing – your destination site for all-things Indie Epublishing.

Head on over for fabulous ebook features and bargains in up to ten different genres every day!

(Includes Anthologies, Boxed Sets, Historical Fiction, Romance, Nonfiction, Humor, Mysteries/Thrillers, Paranormal/Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Poetry and Young Adult)

Plus, they have daily ebook giveaways (up to 50 per day) and monthly ereader contests.

You definitely want to check this site out!

(Side note: I'm featured in the section Story Behind the Stories if you want to haven't yet heard how I got the idea for LOST IN ITALY.)

Enjoy filling your ereaders!

Stacey Joy Netzel

What Did I Read in 2011?

2012-01-27T16:29:00.000-06:00

This is a list of some of the books I read in 2011. The first are ones I posted reviews for on Amazon and BN that I read in the latter half of the year. Time writing and with family got in the way of me keeping up the list that makes up the rest of the books mentioned, but I wanted to put them all into one post and hope to try to figure out a better way to do this each year.

Now you go ahead and recommend some books to me!

Driving Me Nuts, PJ Jones Unexpected Surprise

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book otherthan I knew it wasn’t going to be a parody like the author’s other works. Asthe plot unfolded, taking strange and twisted turns in a ‘borrowed’ Mustangconvertible, I was drawn in by the quirky yet sympathetic characters until Iwas rooting for Ruckus and Apple with every page. Gotta love Fred, too, butGarth made me laugh out loud. The ending was so touching it brought tears to myeyes.

Fireweed byCasey Clifford Great follow up toBlack Ribbon Affair

This second in Clifford’s Affair Series is anotherwinner! (Black Ribbon Affair won a Virginia Romance Writers’ HOLT MedallionAward honoring outstanding literary talent.) We meet up with Caitlin and Mike on a corporate retreat/fishing trip toAlaska that ends up ANYTHING but relaxing. The scenery is breathtaking and theis action non-stop—even explosive. It was fun seeing how this couple’srelationship progressed with their marriage, and I sincerely hope there aremore adventures planned for these two. They make a great team!

Splintered Energy by Arlene Webb Amazing imagination

We all know you shouldn’t judge a book by it’scover. Yet, that’s exactly why I bought this book—the cover completelycaptivated and intrigued me. Then I started reading and Arlene Webb’s amazingimagination and way cool characters took over. The moment I was done, Iimmediately downloaded the sequel, The R Word, and stared reading.

The R Word by Arlene Webb Second in The Color Series as good as thefirst!

This book picked right up from Splintered Energyand kept me reading more than one evening way into the night. This continuingstoryline is so unique, with equally exceptional characters that are layeredand complex, I look forward to the next books in this series so I can spendmore time with them and see if they can return ‘home.’ Funny thing is, though Ireally want them to, the thought makes me sad and I’m not quite sure what tohope for. Guess I’d better keep readingas long as Webb’s still writing! Book 3 House Of Seven is on my Nook.

Smilodon by Alan Nayes WOW!

I am a total sucker for a great cover. This onedug its fangs in, the blurb sunk them deeper, and the writing locked Smilodon’sjaws to hold my attention until I reached the high-octane ending. Again, WOW! Cougarsare one of my favorite animals, and big cats in general are just plain awesome,but the thought of the big cat in this book loose in wilderness is downrightchilling. Nayes’ descriptions brought the scenes alive in my head and raisedthe hair on the nape of my neck at times. Lastly, I’d like to request:Hollywood, make this a movie, please!

Atlantis, by Lisa Graves Loved the book!

I started this book with an open mind since I don't read much YA. I'm really glad I did give it a try--I loved the paranormal idea behind the book and Graves does a great job putting the reader in Lilly's shoes. She has a way with her words and the first person point of view really works well. There was only one thing I wasn't too sure about at the end, but I found out the author is planning two more books in the series and sincerely hope my question is answered. Great job Lisa Graves! Book two in the series, Stonehenge is also waiting on my Nook.

July 2011
Tall Tales and Wedding Veils, by Jane Graves. Fun twist on the marriage of convenience, or 'got drunk and married in Vegas' story. Very heartwarming, funny read.

June 2011

Meddling With a Millionaire, by Cat Schield. Cat's debut book was a winner for me. Now I have to go to her website to download her free prequel novella, Her Secret Millionaire.

Golden North, by Ilona Fridl. Cute follow up to Silver Screen Heroes, set in Alaska in the 20's. Looking forward to book 3, Bronze Skies.

May 2011

Ghost Ship, by PJ Alderman. Follow up to Haunting Jordan that's just as good of a mystery and Alderman left me wanting the third book in the series just to get more Jase. Darn you, PJ, write faster!

Fool Me Twice, by Sandra Mrshall and Sandra Sooko.Two stories with an April Fool's theme. Marshall's is fun and cute, Sookoo's has a more serious tone but still gets the fun in. The two make for an enjoyable collaboration.

Mountain Ranger Recon, by Carol Ericson. Book 2 in the Brothers in Arms series and just as good as the first. I highly recommend this series. Did I mention I can't wait for Jack's book?

Navy Seal Security, by Carol Ericson. Great start to Carol's new Brothers in Arms series. Great hero & heroine, and she's got me totally intrigued by Jack, who'll be the hero of Book 4.

April 2011

Not Without You, by Jean Barrett. I've been a fan of Jean's since joining WisRWA—he writes great Harlequin Intrigues with lots of action. This book delivers on action—it should what with spanning three wars—and gives the reader a wealth of emotion. I kept waiting for Kate and Efrem to get together, only to be kept guessing until the end. Great book that shows the enduring power of love.

Those Baby Blues, by Sheridon Smythe. This book was a "Treet" from start to finish! I may be a little partial to movie star heroes after writing my own in Lost in Italy (not published), but that doesn't take away from this fun, sexy, heart-warming book. Give it a try.

Montana Belle, by Linda Morris. I really enjoyed this western historical novella. Good to read in one evening, curled up with a warm cup of tea!

March 2011

Not Looking For Trouble, by Delia Deleest. Delia writes the 20's as if she lived them. (I know her personally and she's much younger than that!) She's paired up a sweet but strong heroine with a strong yet vulnerable man for a great romance—once they've worked through some issues.

Tempting Adam, by Jill James. Jill's debut novel is a fun, sexy read with a feisty heroine who reveals a heartwarming vulnerability at the end. And Adam is, among other things, hot! I'm really looking forward to Jill's next book.

Curses, by Cindy Spencer Pape. I bought this one awhile ago and am slowly working through the ebooks on my Nook. Cindy captured me right away with the paranormal element and kept me reading with her wonderful characters. A witch who thinks she's destined to be alone, and a werewolf who doesn't want to pass his paranormal genes on…they're the perfect pair to break the Curses in their lives.

February 2011

Haunting Jordan, by PJ Alderman. I loved PJ's A Killing Tide, and her new series is just as good! Fun and quirky, yet lots of mystery and suspense. I'll be picking up her next book in the Port Chatham series real soon.

Sparring Partners, by Leigh Morgan. I'm about half way in and so far so good! Leigh's got a way with words that makes it hard to put down my Nook. I'm looking forward to the rest of the book. March: Finished the book and enjoyed it all the way to the end. Great job, Leigh!

January 2011

Cattitude, by Edie Ramer…quite a twist on the 'body-switch' plot. I really enjoyed this fun read!

Beauty & the Geek, by Roni Adams…LOVED this book. Read it in one sitting. Louie's the hottest geek I've ever read about!

Stacey Joy Netzel

Love Romantic Suspense?

2012-01-27T00:08:00.000-06:00

Just recently on Twitter (@StaceyJoyNetzel if you want to follow) I met up with @JustRomanticSuspense. Seeing as I have a couple of books available in that genere (Lost In Italy, Trust In The Lawe, Shattered Trust, Shawdowed Trust), I had to check out the website:

www.JustRomanticSuspense.com

Very Cool! There are A LOT of RS authors out there and some very well know names!

Allison Brennan, Angi Morgan, Barbara Freethy, Brenda Novak, Carla Neggers, Lori Foster, Debra Webb, Heather Graham, Rebecca York...and the list goes on. There are also a number of not-so-well-known RS authors, but hopefully you'll browse and get to know us, too.

The site features guest blogs and giveaways by authors, new release information, Fun stuff, Book of the Day, and more.

Check it out! And while you're at it, meet the website's creator, Maureen A Miller with a short bio from the website.

Maureen A. Miller

Maureen is known for writing blustery romantic suspense novels, but even she needs to warm up after awhile. ENDLESS NIGHT will take you to Maine's rugged coast in the middle of a nor'easter, while JUNGLE OF DECEIT will have you sweating in the rain forests of Guatemala. Whatever your geographical preference, chances are that Maureen will weave you a tale of romance and danger in one of them.

You can find all of Maureen's books at her Amazon Author Page.

I can see already I'm going to be adding to my TBR list on my Nook! Thank you Maureen for setting up this great site!

Happy Reading and check back to see what's up for Sunday Share.

Stacey Joy Netzel

How Internet-dependent are you?

2012-01-18T02:00:00.000-06:00

New Year's Day. 9:09AM

We welcomed 2012 with a little bit of winter weather and some wind. Not sure the cause, but suddenly the bathroom lights go out. I make my way into the kitchen and flick the light...nothing. I say, "Power's out." Downstairs, my 8yr old son says, "So that's what it was. That scared me. There was a pop and a flash down here." Me: "You mean outside?" Son: "No, behind the computer." Me: Yikes!

Since the power was out, there was nothing I could do at the moment, and I was honestly more concerned about heat if the outage lasted too long. Everything came back on about 1015AM, with some beeps here and there, the stove clock flashing 9:09, and that sudden loud humming of appliances that we never notice until a complete absense of power is suddenly restored.

So I head down to the computer and everything turns on just fine (Thank God!) except...

The DSL modem.

Crap. I have no internet. No lights at all on the modem.

A call to tech support confirmed somehow the modem was fried during the power outage despite being plugged into a surge protecter and everything else on that outlet being fine. Apparently, the surge came from the dedicated DSL line, not the electrical cord. That's when I found out that you can purchase surge protectors for the not only the electrical outlets, but the DSL line as well. (It's on my list now!)

Long story shortend a little bit, due to the holiday and a phone company goof up on the order, my new modem didn't arrive until Jan. 5th. That was 5 whole days without internet. At first I was silently panicking...What will I do until Thursday without internet??!!

No email. No checking my sales at Amazon or Barnes and Noble. No book promo. No Facebook.

I took a deep breath and applied the advice I always give my hubby that frustrates him: "There's nothing you can do about it, freaking out won't get the internet working any sooner, so just deal with it."

So I started writing. And every ten or fifteen minutes that first day I'd hear this muted little "ding" as if I'd received a new email. And I'd click down on my InBox to see who sent a message only to remember I had no internet! Then about ten minutes later, I'd click to go on Amazon to check my book stats. Crap. No internet!

The second day, I didn't open any other applications other than my WIP (work in progress) and I was no longer hearing those phantom dings. I didn't worry about sales, or promo...I just wrote like crazy. It was quite freeing. By the time Thursday rolled around, I had written over 7000 words, which equals about 21 double-spaced pages. In a normal week--the full 7 days--I get about 5000 words done. By the end of that first week of January I finished 11,500 words.

Ironically, that 5 days of no internet was just what I needed to show me what I can do when I'm not distracted. It's also a good lesson to turn off the internet when I'm working on deadline and need to get the words on the page.

Also, as initially traumatic as it was to consider the better part of a week disconnected, I quickly realized it wasn't worth putting on make-up to take my hubby's laptop into town for free wi-fi. As long as I know it's not indefinite, I'm now comfortable knowing I can survive without the internet. And, I suppose it wasn't complete cut off--I did borrow my son's 3G phone each night to check my sales numbers. :)

So how internet-dependent are you? If you were cut-off, how would you deal with it?

Stacey Joy Netzel

Sunday Share: Fireweed by Casey Clifford + Giveaway

2012-01-15T02:00:00.000-06:00

Today I'm thrilled to have Casey Clifford sharing an excerpt from FIREWEED and she's giving away a free ebook to one commentor!

The first book in Casey's Affair series--Black Ribbon Affair--was so good it kept me up till the early hours of the morning. I'm about 3/4ths of the way through Fireweed and it's just as good. I can't wait to see how it ends!

Here's a short note from Casey and then she was kind enough to answer a couple of my questions. Take it away, Casey!

This opportunity toshare my recent book today came up a bit unexpectedly. But life is really allabout being spontaneous and rolling with the opportunities, right? Anyway, I’mvery excited to share a bit about the second book in what I call the AffairSeries, a romantic mystery/suspense with continuing characters. I’ve envisionedthis to be a lot like the old TB series Hart to Hart, if you can remember that.

For those of you whoread the first book, Black Ribbon Affair, Fireweed has the main charactersCaitlin and Mike now married and on a fishing trip in Alaska. In this book youget a chance to see them deal with a tough situation but in a setting they aretotally unfamiliar with.

Ilove this series because it depicts a romantic married couple who are dealingwith life and problems and it usually will have a secondary love plot inaddition to the mystery/suspense. I’ll be checking in if you have anyquestions or comments.

What is it about the continuing characters that drew you towrite another book in this series?

First of all, myhubby fell in love with Caitlin and suggested I had to do another book. Thenonce Black Ribbon came out and I heard from readers, most of them wanted toknow more about Caitlin and Mike. Since I really loved Hart to Hart, and I alsolove Eve and Roake as married couples in mystery suspense, I decided I’dcontinue on for at least one more book. I’m playing with ideas for the suspenseplot for #3. And because readers also asked me about Rachel who’s Caitlin’sassistant in Black Ribbon, I’m playing around with doing a novella for herbackstory with Caitlin in it for sure because I really liked Rachel.

You have a lot going on in Fireweed…how did youhandle the details of the BioSynergy corporate world?

Research. Plus Ihappened to know a person in the field that provide some insights.

I swear, as I’m reading I feel like I’m the one wading intothe river to catch the fish, or flying in the plane through the pass, orwatching the mama bear and her cubs…or cringing at the bullet that wings by myear! How did you research the Alaska aspect of the book?

As Imention in my dedication page, I owe that to my oldest son who has madeAlaska his home. He’s a guide and outfitter up there and hooked me up withseveral lodge managers to talk with. Since he’s also a pilot with a small planesuch as I mention in the book, he took me up on flights few would get a chanceto do. Believe me, so much of that comes from him as I listened to his storiesof his adventures. The mom part of me could have gotten worried but the writerpart of me rubbed her hands together and said, “Oh, this is gooood!”

Lucky you! Alaska is a dream vacation for me and the hubby someday. So, you're considering a third book for Mike and Caitlin...any hints of where that will take them?

I’m playing around with maybe someplace in Europeright now.

Good choice! I know you’re busy at the computer these days…what else doyou have planned for the next couple months.

I want to get my nextWoman’s Fiction book up as a digital book. It’s called Better Than Dessert andis book 1 for what I refer to as my Double Ds’ books. It’s a group of womenfriends who’ve been best friends forever. Each book will have the main plotcenter around a crisis in one of the women’s lives and how they handle it aswell as how this changes them and their friendship. I hope to have it availablein early February. I’ve got book 2 finished in rough draft and then I’ll beworking on revising and editing that. And of course, Mike and Caitlin willdemand some times too. I also blog every Sunday. So these jobs will keep mebusy.

Looking forward to the new books and I have to say, I love your blog! Very inspiring.

Without further ado, here's...

FIREWEED, by Casey Clifford
Genre: Romantic suspense/mystery
Heat: Sensual

From the tingling prickles nippingat her calves, Caitlin figured she had been jogging far beyond her usual sixmiles. During her early run, she encountered no problems. Not from the terrain.Not from any carnivorous animals. Her body was a different story. Succumbing toa severe muscle spasm, she slowed her pace, glanced at her watch, and promisedherself a fifteen minute rest when she reached that far clump of willows andcottonwoods. As a small reward, she might even nosh on a power bar. She wasn't hungry,but an energy boost would only help her next miles. She glanced around her andbehind her.

By her calculations, she had to bewell past the half-way point.

Still no sign of Matt or Gus. Oranything else except the vast expanse of the lake, the brooding mountainsencircling her and the lake, the chirps of shore birds, the squee of huntingeagles. The air contained no distinctive odors. Was this really what fresh airsmelled like?

Her aloneness awed her. Humbledher. She could disappear in this land and probably never be found. Like Justin?

That wouldn't happen. Somethingdeep inside her affirmed her trust in this land. It would give back Justin. Itwould somehow recognize the good man he had been. He deserved to be returned tohis loved ones. This land and the spirits that roamed it would make thathappen.

As tiny and powerless as she feltnow in this huge land engulfing her, she didn't fear it. It understood therightness of her mission, the love in her heart. She would succeed and bringhelp for those back at the lodge.

Five minutes later she reached thesheltering willows. She pulled a red bandana from her fanny pack and dipped itin the cold water of the stream running through the willows and emptying intothe lake. The sound of silence encompassed her as she buried her face in thedripping rag and hummed off key Simon and Garfunkel's anthem.

Draping the moist bandana aroundher neck, she sat on a fallen log and slowly massaged her calves. First oneaching muscle. Then the other. While she kneaded and rubbed, she watched a busythreesome of black and white magpies make a fluttering, two-footed landing notfar from her. Their birdy chattiness shattered the stillness and eased hersense of aloneness.

She munched on her power bar; itscalories would energize her for this last lap. Based on her pace and the time,she estimated she had completed a good two thirds of the distance to the cabin.She looked at the opaque blue sky above her. Daylight seemed duller.

She chewed on the last bit of herbar. What was Mike doing now? Were he and the others safe? Was he worried abouther? And Beth? What was happening with her and Brian?

Mike was such a dear worrywart.Almost as bad as she was. She laughed out loud, sending the magpies flappingoff toward the trees.

She glanced at her watch. Five morerestful minutes, then back to pounding the trail. Oh, the stories she and Mikewould tell her their families about their adventures on this trip. UnlikeJustin who might not return at all–ever.

Then a vision of Beth floated behindher eyelids. The young teen, so destitute of mothering. Could Caitlin providethe structure and guidance Beth might need? From all Caitlin knew about teenagegirls, they could be a handful with raging hormones, heightened emotions andchanging their personalities faster than an Oscar hostess changed costumes.Could they mesh their needs, make this new family circle work, especially withher new responsibilities at BioSynergy?

But first things first. She neededto get help.

~*~

You can find Casey Clifford, her awesome blog, and the books in the Affair Series here:

Author website: http://caseyclifford.wordpress.com

Pick up your copy of Fireweed today!

Amazon: http://amzn.to/uPWCi0

B & N: http://bit.ly/zazuZZ

And if you want to check out BlackRibbon Affair first:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/pCRWKE

B & N: http://bit.ly/wikxrP

Who is Mary Jo Scheibl writing as Casey Clifford?

A short summary of my life mightbe as follows: "She’s been there, done that, and is still trying…”

She’s not perfect and wouldn’twant to be. She was determined to finishcollege and graduate school to teach college level classes. She accomplishedthis while working and single-parenting 3 sons. She taught for 27 years andretired to pursue what she dreamed of doing since she was a child—write thestories that had been tumbling about in her head.

Today she writes women’s fictionand romantic suspense as Casey Clifford. Her first novel received the HoltMedallion for Literary Achievement for Best First Book of 2009. She also wonthe Write Touch Readers’ Award for the same book in the romantic suspense category.She blogs every Sunday and dabbles in photography.

She strives daily to be a wisewoman and believes all her heroines have already gotten there.

Thank you so much for being here and sharing about your books, Casey! Don't forget to leave a comment with your contact email and Casey will draw a name and post the winner on Wednesday.

Good luck!

Stacey Joy Netzel

Lyme Disease and Final sales numbers for Dragonfly Dreams in Dec 2011

2012-01-07T14:59:00.000-06:00

Anyone who follows my blog knows that all my author profits for the month of December 2011 for my Christmas novella Dragonfly Dreams were donated to the White Family, who due to late diagnosis of Lyme Disease have some very hefty and on-going medical bills.

Here are the final sales numbers:

Amazon: 41

Barnes and Noble: 8

Smashwords: 1

Amazon UK: 1

All Romance eBooks: 1

That gives us a total of 52 books, for $104.00. I also had a few people contact me saying they didn't get their purchase in before the Dec. 31st cut off, so I'm going to up the donation for a few more books.

I appreciate (as do they!) all the support offered during the sale and would like to thank everyone who bought a copy. Think about the gift you gave as you read the book.

Also, if you'd like to learn more about Lyme Disease for yourself, family, or friends who may be affected or know someone affected by this disease, here's a link to a very good movie called Under Our Skin. I watched it to find out more of what my friends are going through, but in the end I'm very glad to have the extra knowledge for myself and my family since we're out in the northwoods of WI all the time. Knowledge is power and that's a good thing to have when it comes to your loved ones.

Wishing you a wonderful 2012 full of Dragonfly Dreams!

Stacey Joy Netzel

Sunday Share: Blue Jeans and Stilettos + giveaway

2012-01-01T18:37:00.000-06:00

Today I welcome fellow WisRWA member Jordyn Meryl and her co-authors C.Deanne Rowe and Maggie Rivers. They're they creators of Blue Jeans and Stilettos, an anthology of three romance stories. They also have a second book in the series: Mrs. Clause Wears Stilettos.

Jordyn, C.Deanne, and Maggie are not only sharing excerpts below, but one lucky commenter will win their choice of an ebook or autographed print copy.

Blue Jeans andStilettos - Adult Romance

JordynMeryl-When Dreams Change-(Hot) Jessica’s dream was a smallcafé’ in Italy. But when her husbandwalked out the door, so did her dream. But dreams changed when Alejandro walked in to be her bartender.

C.Deanne Rowe-It’s Better in the Dark-(Hotter) This birthday could change SofieEdwards’ life forever as she finds hot desire in a mystery man that she hasnever seen.

MaggieRivers-Take a Chance on Love-(Hottest) Jennifer Sinclair doesn’t wantsex on her fantasy island vacation. Caleb Hollister wants Jennifer. Who will win?

When Dreams Change

CHAPTERONE

“Youstupid-cheating-mother-fucking-son-of-a-bitch!”

Theheavy stoneware plate hurled from Jessica’s hand headed towards

her husband.

Sweatlingered over her eyebrows running in her sea green eyes. So infuriated she didn’t even pause to wipeit away.

Charles,a middle-aged, non- athletic nerd, jutted to his right at the last second as ithit the wall behind his head shattering into pieces.

Raisinghis hands out in front of him to block her onslaught, his wire-rimmed glassestwisted on his nose. “Damn it, Jessica. Buying the café was a mistake. Ijust can’t stay here and work all the time. I feel stifled.”

Her words came athim in a blaze of pure rage. “What the hell do you mean, mistake

Wesold everything we owned to get the money to buy this café.”

“Well I just don’t think this business venture is going towork.” Charles still had his arms up ina defensive block.

Jessica grabbed two more plates, angrily releasing one.“What do you mean it’s not going to work?” Charles dodged the first plate.

Hertone of voice seethed with white fury. “What’s the real reason, Charles?”

Thesecond one soared at high speed. Itnicked his forehead, just above his eye. Blood oozed from a cut.

“Okay! I wantsomeone else. Bambi and I want to havea life together.” He held his hand overthe wound. “Enough! I’m leaving. It’s all yours honey. Do whateverthe hell you want. I’m done, finished,out-of here.”

With another plate in her hand, Jessica watched as Charlestwisted around and did a hasty escape out of the door. Blonde Bambi was waiting for himoutside. Dragging his little sex kittenbehind him, Charles exited indubitably out of her life.

It’s Better in the Dark

CHAPTERONE

IT’S BETTER IN THE DARK. Spendan evening rediscovering your senses. Let us give you a fantasy night toremember in a perfectly safe environment.

“Thisis it. Lindsey, come here. Hurry!” Emma frantically waved her free hand in Lindsey’s direction trying notto spill the coffee occupying her other hand. “I found the perfect birthday present for Sophie.”

“What?”Lindsey asked. “What are you screamingabout?”

“Lookat this.” Emma pointed to theadvertisement on the bulletin board placed strategically on the wall by thedoor of the Morning Brew Coffee Shop. “That’s perfect for Sophie. Youknow how hard she is to buy for and she’s been complaining about her boringlife lately.”

“OurSophie?” Lindsey patted her chest andlaughed. “So we are going to hire a maleprostitute to spend an evening with our Sophie for her birthday.” Lindsey laughed. “Classy. You know she’d never go for that. You’ve had some crazy ideas Emma, but this one takes the cake.”

“Stopit,” Emma said. “It’s not a male prostitute. That’s not what it says.” Emma put her hand on her hips and let out ahuff making Lindsey aware she was a little miffed she would think that ofher. “I wouldn’t think of doing that atall. This sounds different. I’m going to call and see what it’s about.”

“Youdo that Emma.” Lindsey sipped hercoffee. “Just leave my name off if it’ssomething creepy.”

“Ifmy weird alarm goes off, I’ll make sure and tell you.” Emma took one of the brochures and placed itin her purse as they headed for the door of the Morning Brew Coffee shop. “It sounds like fun.”

Lindseywalked ahead, throwing Emma a look over her shoulder. “If you are really serious, maybe someonehere knows something about it. Afterall, they let them leave flyers.”

“Goodidea. I’ll ask.” Emma turned and headed back to thecounter. “Can you tell me anything aboutthis business?” She laid the brochure infront of the young girl running the register.

“Letme get Duncan. Just a sec.” The girl disappeared into the back room.

She,Lindsey and Sophie had been coming to this coffee shop several times a week thepast few years. They knew just abouteveryone who worked there even the guy Sophie had a crush on, but she wasn’tsure who the young girl had gone to retrieve. She and Lindsey were positive if Sophie became involved with the guybehind the counter she might have some fun but she would be paying for most ofthe dates. So far they had beensuccessful convincing her and Sophie had kept her distance.

Sophie’shandsome attraction came walking through the doorway. “I’m Duncan Tait. Can I help you?”

Take a Chance on Love

CHAPTERONE

Caleb Hollister sat behind his mahogany desk studying thefour profiles lying in front of him. Numbers one, two and three were a definite no. They wanted sex in every shape, form andfashion imaginable. He didn’t.

“Let’s see what kind of sexual fantasy this last one cancome up with,” he said aloud to himself as he opened the last folder.

His gaze rushed over the form until he came to the sectionwhich would describe what this particular woman had in mind for a week ofsexual indulgence limited only by her imagination. She was paying for it and had the right toask for any fantasy she wanted.

Mostof the women who came to the island were aggressive, jaded females so he hadbeen totally unprepared when his partner, James, announced his marriage to oneof the ladies he’d “serviced”. But thatwas the difference between the two friends. James enjoyed servicing the females who visited the island. Caleb did not. He managed the business. He didn’t participate.

James’replacement wouldn’t arrive for another week and these four women expectedtheir fantasy to come true. Three wouldbe taken care of with no problem. It wasthe fourth one he was concerned about. Now he would have to step up to the bed, so to speak.

His gaze stopped on the first words.

“Absolutelyno sex.”

Calebreread the sentence. There had to bemore to this woman’s fantasy. He readon.

“Iwant romance. I want to be talked to, tobe held, to have a man be attentive to me, the person that I am. I don’t want sex. I want an intelligent conversation, somebodywho’s funny and can make me laugh. Underno circumstance is sex to be brought up. If it is, then my money is to be refunded in total.”

Thiswas definitely a stroke of pure luck. Aweek of having some female companionship without having to perform some kinkysex act for some woman he had no feelings for was just fine with him. He didn’t like having sex with femaleswithout emotion behind it. That justwasn’t in him. Never had been. He wrote the names on the covers of thefolders, putting his on the last one, and tossed them in his “out” basket forNigel.

***

Bios-Threewriters became friends. Together they created anthologies to tempt the senses,stir the imagination and leave you wanting more.

http://www.writersofthelake.com

http://www.jordynmeryl.com

http://www.cdeannetore.com

http://www.maggierivers.com

Anautographed copy can be ordered at any of the websites.

Price$15.85 plus $3.00 shipping.

Oran e-copy at:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_3_5?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=jordyn+meryl&sprefix=jordy

~*~

Thanks so much for sharing with us today, Jordyn (and C.Deanne & Maggie)! I wish you all the best of luck with your books!

Readers, remember, the ladies are giving away winner's choice of an ebook or print copy, so make sure to leave a comment and email address so Jordyn can contact the winner!

Stacey Joy Netzel

Stuff Your Stocking Blogfest at LASR

2011-12-26T18:05:00.000-06:00

There's still a few days left for the Stuff Your Stocking with Books Blogfest going on over at The Long and the Short of It Review (LASR) site.

I'm guesting on Dec. 28th at 6pm and giving away 3 copies of DRAGONFLY DREAMS. Remember, all sales of that title for the month of December will be donated to the White Family (featured on my blog earlier this month). These three giveaways will count toward my sales goal, so make sure you head over to LASR to leave a comment.

DRAGONFLY DREAMS was nominated for BEST SHORT EBOOK at LASR in 2007. I've re-edited and added to the book for it's re-release this December.

Thank you very much for your support and Hope you get a stocking full of books!

Sorrow and Joy at Christmas

2011-12-25T16:10:00.000-06:00

On this Christmas day, we found out my cousin Jimmie passed away this morning after a brief battle with cancer. He is now with the Lord and his son Nate, no longer suffering as he watches over the rest of his family.

Love you, Jim! We will miss you!

In honor of Christmas and family, I'd like to share with you a couple of recent photos that reminded me to be so very thankful for what I have.

Becky, Bridgette, Nikki, Dawn and me

Every year we have a cookie bake with my two sisters (Becky and Bridgette) and my two cousins (Nik and Dawn). We have a great time every year and bake a crazy amount of cookies. This year marked our 12th annual Cookie Bake. My favorite part was finishing early and visiting until 2am.

We woke up to a foggy haze along the ground Christmas Eve morning and as I was getting the fruit tray ready to take to my sister Becky's house for the day, a glance out the kitchen window left me in awe. The 'speck' on the right third of the picture (above the '4' in the date) is actually the top of some trees about a 1/4-1/3 mile down the road.

We couldn't get the kids away from the cousins long enough for a family picture (and they'd had enough of them in Colorado this summer), but my mom did get this one of me and Wayne.

I have many other things to be thankful for, but not so many pictures, so I hold the others in my heart.

My wish for you is a very Merry Christmas with loved ones, family and friends alike.

Take care and we'll see you in the New Year!

Stacey Joy Netzel

Sunday Share: Shrike, by Jeff

2011-12-18T09:51:00.000-06:00

Welcome to Jeff Carlson today, who's sharing an excerpt from his book SHRIKE. Enjoy!

SHRIKE, by Jeff Carlson

Genre: Women's Crime Fiction

Heat Level: Sensual

Set in present-day Raleigh,North Carolina, Shrike is the story of one young woman's overcomingtremendous physical, emotional and logistical adversity to defeat evilincarnate. When Taryn Spire and her best friend learn that some bankingexecutives plan a cybercrime to embezzle funds from the North Carolina StateFair, the adventure begins. A botched attempt by the perpetrators to silencethem permanently leads to a dramatic transformation for Taryn - watching atelevision program featuring a video clip of a shrike with its prey destinesher to become a crime fighter. With the help and the love of an unlikely ally(a motorcycle salesman), Taryn, as her alter ego, dispenses a unique type ofjustice.

EXCERPT:

“Ms.Spire? This is Smith Worley from the North Carolina State Fair. Ihope I’m not bothering you on a Sunday.”

Between having to drive a vehicle foreign to her and the horrifying vision shehad at her parents’ house, Taryn had forgotten all about COMDEP812 and the factthat Smith Worley had yet to return her call about the offshore bank. Sheswitched to her professional mode. “No sir! No bother at all! Thank you for calling me back.”

“A thousand apologies. I made a note to call you on Friday, but I hadseveral meetings that were called in a hurry, and the reminder to call you gotburied in my briefcase until I went through it today.”

“That’s quite all right, sir. I bet you have been busy lately.”

“In any event, in answer to your question, I did some digging and we do notdeal with nor have we had any business relationship with The Premier Bank ofMicronesia.”

Taryn’s blood ran cold and the phone quivered in her hand and against her earas the worries she had left on her doorstep when she left for Graham crept backinto her psyche like nerve gas. She moved her lips but the import of theinformation she had just received did not allow her to form words.

“Ms. Spire?” Worley was wondering if the call was dropped when she didnot respond.

“I’m sorry, sir,” stammered Taryn. “I was making some notes in my projectlog.” It was not totally a lie - most of what she did on any project waskept in her head.

“I hope that answer was helpful.”

“It was. Thank you.” She was troubled by the lack of feeling in hervoice and tried again with all the excitement she could muster in her disturbedstate. “It was very helpful. Thank you. I’m grateful for yourhelp.”

“I’m glad I could be of assistance. I hope to see you at the Fair!”

Taryn’s mind was screaming and she hoped her voice wasn’t doing the same. My GOD! Don’t you know what’s going to happen? Gripping thephone with both hands, she replied, “I hope to see you there too. Thankyou very much again.” She ended the call and her hands, still clutchingthe phone, fell into her lap.

Miranda sat up. “What was all that?” She had forgotten more aboutCOMDEP812 than Taryn had.

Taryn’s attention was fixed on a random piece of Miranda’s thick carpet. “They’re going to rip off the State Fair,” she mumbled.

Miranda scooted to the edge of a cushion and leaned closer to Taryn. “What did you say?”

Slowly raising her gaze to meet Miranda’s, Taryn repeated, “They’re going torip off the State Fair.”

“What? Who is?”

Trembling arms struggled to push her off the chair, but in time she wassuccessful in accomplishing that and in securing her phone back into itsholster. “Tatum, Mounce and probably Mike Peebles. They are goingto run COMDEP812 twice. The first time it will move the money like thestate wants. The second time the same amount will go offshore. They’ll get it whenever they want.”

Scarcely able to hear Taryn speak, Miranda got off the sofa to move closer toher. She knelt and gently took her irmã by the hands. “Taryn, honey, how do you know all this?”

“That was the fellow I spoke to last week at the State Fair headquarters. One of the numbers on the test output we looked at belongs to a bank in theSouth Pacific. COMDEP812 showed money leaving the State Fair account andgoing to that bank. The State Fair isn’t dealing with an offshorebank.” Taryn gripped Miranda’s hands just a little more tightly. “That’s why Tatum wanted us to give all the COMDEP812 work to Mike. That’s why Tatum is retiring. That’s why Mike is being so nice to us, tothrow us off. It’s all part of the plan.”

Taryn was starting to make some sense and that began to bother Miranda. Still, she believed she could make it all better by being positive andupbeat. “C’mon, irmã, you’ve been working too hard and you’retired from the trip to see your folks. There’s no way they could stealthat kind of money, even electronically. Internal Control would catch thedouble post and fix it. That’s what they do.” Miranda made sureTaryn saw her smile.

Taryn sighed and shook her head. “Nancy Mounce gets the report fromCOMDEP812. They have to have her help. She can do all kinds ofthings to cover any error up. And she can talk circles around anyauditors or anyone in that bank. She’s been there forever. They’llbelieve whatever crap she slings. No one will be the wiser. Andthey’ll all get away with it. And you and I know about it.”

It was Miranda’s turn to be chilled to the bone. She slowly let go ofTaryn’s hands, got to her feet and turned away, crossing her arms over herchest to get even just a little reassurance. Taryn’s last sentencefrightened her the most. If Taryn was right, they indeed had uncoveredsomething huge. She took a few small steps and then spun to ask aquestion. “How much money are we talking here?”

“Millions, Miranda! Millions! The fair lasts ninedays! People from all over the state and probably the whole Southeast andGod knows where else come and spend millions!”

Taryn’s answer was replete with misplaced anger and the words stungMiranda. As her eyes filled with tears, Miranda whimpered, “My God,Taryn! I’m scared! What are we going to do? What are wegoing to do?”

~*~

SHRIKE can be found at:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Shrike-ebook/dp/B005OSYHXO/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/shrike-jeff-carlson/1105870275?ean=9781618421937&itm=1&usri=shrike

Sony Ebook store: http://ebookstore.sony.com/ebook/dennis-carlson/shrike/_/R-400000000000000530560

Jeff can be found at: www.facebook.com/jarthurcarlson

"I haveaspired to be a writer since my grade school days. Shrike is my first novel. Ilive in North Carolina's Triad. When I'm not thinking about writing, I like icehockey and traveling. I've tried stand-up comedy too. A cat owns me; in fact,she has helped me pen three picture books featuring her and her friends (maybeshe will let me publish them someday). I have a few more novels in variousstates of inception; I hope Shrike's success will give me the impetus to finishone of them."

Thanks for the great excerpt, Jeff! Wishing you much success with SHRIKE and your future works as well.

Good luck with the cat. *grin*

Stacey Joy Netzel

Sunday Share: Barbary Point, by Alan Nayes + Giveaway!

2011-12-11T02:00:00.000-06:00

Today I welcome Alan Nayes with his book Barbary Point. I met Alan on the Facebook page Indie Writer's Unite and discovered he also writes thrillers and horror. You can find his other titles at: http://anayes.com/ (I definitely recommend checking them out!)

Alan has graciously offered to share a free copy of his book with 3 commenters...so make sure to leave him a comment after reading the excerpt. And please leave your contact information so he can reach you if you're a winner.

BARBARY POINT, by Alan Nayes

Heat level: sweet

Amazonhttp://amzn.to/jwaVbN

Barnesandnoble.com http://bit.ly/j4mUlk
Smashwords http://bit.ly/kZwoq7

When Kelly Englishflies back to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, to close out herfather’s estate, the last thing on her mind is
falling in love. Again. Kelly is twenty-eight and engaged to an olderman who is quite wealthy. She’s happy, and only desires to make the trip back brief, sell her deceased father’s place, and return to her stable life in Los Angeles. However, while taking care of business in Oshkosh, Kelly meets a fishing guide, launching her on an emotional journey she never could have predicted or foreseen. BARBARY POINT is Kelly’s story of what happened that one magical week in May on the shores of Lake Winnebagowhen the ducklings hatch and the walleye run.

EXCERPT:

Chapter 19

ROCKAWAY ISLAND

Mitch cancelledhis clients for Monday. He would later tell me he would have willinglycancelled his clients for the entire summer just to spend time together. Hethat much had fallen for me. And I for him.

I called myoffice as soon as I thought Gwen would be in, adjusting for the two-hour timedifference.

“Kelly, where thehell have you been? That Seagram account executive's been buzzing all morning,”Gwen ripped off immediately.

“I'm still in Oshkosh,” I said,picturing the company man with hair just a little too much in place, and asmile a little too phony. Last week I would have flown to Nepal, ifthat's what it took to nail down the liquor conglomerate's ad business. Today, all that seemed to matterwas getting out on the water with Mitch and Sam. What had changed?

“Kelly?” Gwen'stone had softened considerably. “What's going on?”

“Don't worry.”

“Now I am worried,” Gwen said. “Seagram'snot the only one's been calling.”

“Thomas?”

“Only say, fivetimes.”

“I'll call him,”I said.

“Kelly?”

“Yes.”

“Take care ofyourself.”

“I will. See yousoon,” I said, and disconnected. For a long moment, I stood in front of the baywindow and looked out over the lake. The chop was less than yesterday,definitely no whitecaps, but the water's blue shade had been replaced by a grayundertone, reflecting the overcast of the sky. Mitch had listened to theweather before breakfast. The forecast called for a forty percent chance ofrain, with intermittent local thundershowers. The Mako had a top we could putup so the rain would be no problem.

I didn't relishcalling Thomas, he would be angry, yet I knew it was the right, the only thingto do. Watching Mitch and Sam loading the boat, I supposed I should have feltat least a modicum of guilt about the last couple of days. I didn't, and thisbothered me more than feeling any remorse at all.

As time passedforward, I would come to justify these feeling as an acceptance of a decision Ihadn't really made, but had been made for me by circumstances beyond mycontrol. An emotion as strong and powerful as love had divided thrones and startedwars. What chance did a young woman have? None. I would never, could never,tell Thomas this, though. At least, not today.

“Hi, Thomas,” Isaid as soon as he answered.

“Kelly.” NoKell-bee this time. “I tried calling you all afternoon yesterday. I've beenworried sick. When's your flight?”

“Oh, Thomas...”

“Are you in somekind of trouble?”

I'm introuble all right. “No, hon. It's just taking me longerthan I thought to close out Daddy's estate. How's the magazine? Gwen said Seagram'sup in arms.”

“To hell withSeagram's.” His exasperation was clearly evident. “I'm flying out there today.We'll—“

“No, Thomas.”

“What do youmean, no?”

“I'm handling it.Thomas, you have to...” I caught myself wanting to say trust, but chose believeinstead, “believe me. I'll be home... soon.”

“When?”

I was caught. Ihad to say something. “Thursday,” I said, calculating that would give me atleast tomorrow and Wednesday for... what? I'd gone insane, that was it. Emotionallyinsane.

“We'll talk whenI get home,” I finished.

When I hung up, Iknew the engagement was on the ropes. I just couldn't come out and say it. Notyet. I gazed at the huge rock adorning my finger. How could events change sorapidly? Why can't I just pack up now and leave? Take the rental straight to Appleton, catch the nextflight out, and get the hell on with my life. Just do it. Save yourself a tonof heartaches, girl.

Mitch and Samwere walking off the dock. Mitch saw me in the window and gave a little salute.Ship's set for sailing, ma'am. I smiled and saluted back, my effort not near ascrisp or sharp. Maybe because this is my life. The here and now.

The ice chest wasloaded with beer, sandwich meat, cheese sticks for snacking, a couple ofapples, and candy bars. I brought along the bread and a bag of chips I'd foundstashed in a cabinet above the dishwasher. We also took along the net, twofishing poles, and Gene's tackle box, just in case, Mitch said.

I sat on acushion seat in front of the console, facing the bow, as the Mako sped northalong the shoreline. The air whisking my hair off my face was cool and moist,and left me feeling clean and pure, as if I'd just been baptized. Mitch stoodbehind the wheel, a Packer's cap turned backward on his head. He looks like amerchant marine, I thought, strong and handsome. I felt his finger tap the topof my head, and saw him pointing. Not thirty yards off the starboard side, aflock of at least a dozen ducks were streaking parallel to the boat in perfectlinear formation.

“Mallards?” Ishouted.

Mitch grinned.“See, you're a waterfowl expert now.”

The mallardsveered away after the Mako zipped past Roe Point for more open water. The hullbounced some, but not enough to make me or Sam, curled just behind the bow,uncomfortable.

I pulled a lightjacket I'd borrowed from my father's closet tighter across my front. I heardMitch rev the engine and felt a surge in acceleration.

Off my leftshoulder I watched us pass the Pioneer Resort Marina, and then the mouth of theFox River.

Mitch named offlandmarks—Bray's Point, Miller Bay, Doemel Point, Menomenee Park,—aswe sped north.

I saw boatsfishing, sailboats, and several water skiers in wet suits.

I heard Mitchsay, “You want to ski?”

“What's the watertemperature?”

“Sixty-two.”

“I'll pass.”

“Wanna pilot?”

I waved. “I'mfine here. I just like watching the lake.”

“You sound likeyour dad.”

His words touchedme somewhere deep in my chest, and I turned and leaned up on my knees andkissed Mitch. The choppiness of the water made my first attempt fall short,landing on his chin, but my next effort was right on the money. The kiss wasbrief, yet warmed me inside out.

“You'rebeautiful,” he said.

I didn't think I looked beautiful, with my hair all over the place, yetfelt like a princess when Mitch told me.

~*~

Again, you can find Barbary Point at:

Amazonhttp://amzn.to/jwaVbN

Barnesandnoble.com http://bit.ly/j4mUlk
Smashwords http://bit.ly/kZwoq7

Alan Nayes was born in Houstonand grew up on the Texasgulf coast. He lives in Southern California. Heis the author of the critically-acclaimed biomedical thrillers, GARGOYLES and THE UNNATURAL. His most recent releases are BARBARY POINT, a love story, and SMILODON, a science thriller. GIRLBLUE, an erotic horror story will be released by Samhain Publishing in2012.

An avidoutdoorsman and fitness enthusiast, he is one of only a few individuals to ever swim across Wisconsin’schilly Lake Winnebago. When not working on hisnext project, he enjoys relaxing and fishing at the family vacation home in Wisconsin.

Thank you for being here today, Alan! Lake Winnebago...wow. Impressive. I, too, have swam across a lake, but it was the much smaller Little Newton Lake in Crivitz, WI, where I grew up.

Love the cover for Barbary Point, and after checking out your website, I think I'm going to have to purchase myself a copy of Smilodon. Not a genre I normally read, but that's what I absolutely love about Indie Writer's Unite--I'm discovering a bunch of new authors and their great books!

Don't forget to comment with your contact information for your chance to win a copy of Barbary Point.

Have a wonderful week everyone!

Stacey Joy Netzel

Gift Giving At Christmas ~ Helping others

2011-12-10T13:25:00.001-06:00

A couple years ago, once the gift giving became nothing more than exchanging gift cards, our family stopped exchanging gifts at Christmas and began donating to local shelters and associations of our choice. I don't say charity because I don't look at it as charity. We've been blessed with a healthy family and truly have what we need to be happy, so we knew it was time to give to others who might need a little help. There may come a day we're that family, but for now, we are happy to help where we can.

My book Dragonfly Dreams is a story all about the true Spirit of Christmas and in that spirit, I'm donating all my author profits from this book for the month of December to family friends who can use a little help.

Let me introduce you to the White Family, and share what they're going through in Becky's own words.

Becky, Bob, Kayden, Karder, and Kamden

The onset of LymeDisease has changed our lives dramatically. I never knew very much about LymeDisease until my family was diagnosed with it. What has Lyme Disease done toour lives?? Some of our daily symptoms due to Lyme consist of;migraines, anxiety, dizziness, blurred vision, joint pain, sensitivity tolight, fatigue, heart palpitations, jaw pain, burning in extremities andso on..

Lyme Disease has notonly affected our family physically, it has affected us financially as well.Lyme Disease needs aggressive, ongoing treatment. The majority of Lyme treatmentand testing for Lyme Disease is expensive and not covered by insurance.

We as a family are daily trying to educateourselves on Lyme Disease. If it hadn't been for our own research, we might nothave ever figured out what was wrong with us. Our Hopes and Dreams from thispoint on are to not only be a healthy, energetic family again, but to alsoeducate others about this horrible disease.

Thank you to Bob and Becky for helping to spread the word about this disease. You will help others to a more speedy diagnosis, and hopefully soon your family will be healthy again! I can't imagine my kids having to deal with those symptoms and how helpless I'd feel not being able to relieve their pain.

My goal is to sell 250 copies of Dragonfly Dreams, which would allow me to donate $500. I can't do this alone and need your help!

So I’m asking you to:

1. Please pick up a copy of DragonflyDreams for just $2.99. I know it's an over-used cliche, but that's less than a large latte at the local coffee shop, or a Big Mac, or you get the picture...

2. Know someone with a Kindle, Nook or a smart phone? Gift them a copy via Amazon or Barnes and Noble using the button "Give as a Gift" under the buy button on the websites.

3. Please spread the word via email to any of your friends who might do the same, and post on your blog, FB,Twitter, Goodreads, ect.

All we need is 250 people to buy just one copy! That's nothing when you think about how many readers are out there! I have a running tab on the top right side of my blog so everyone can see where we're at for the month.

Don't have an ereader? You can still help!

Even if you don’t have an ereader,you can still read the book on your computer, Smart phone, or tablet. AmazonKindle and BN Nook have free PC applications that can be downloadedon the computer and other devices so you can read ebooks. Smashwords has the PDF file that also can be read directly on your computer.

So, what's the book about, you ask?? Here's the blurb.

Can a familyconnection to the ill-fated Titanic bring new hope to sinking dreams?

Withhis antique shop on the brink of bankruptcy, Jake Coburn knows he shouldn’t buycostume jewelry at a price that won’t turn a profit. Then again, it’s Christmas, and he hasn’tbeen able to say no to Loral Evan’s since the first time she entered his shop.

During a season of giving, Loral learnsthere’s a big difference between pride and dignity, and Jake’s determination todo the right thing brings rewards beyond what either of them ever dreamed of.

Got Romance Holiday Reviews ~ 5 Stars ~ “I sincerely adoredthis story. Dragonfly Dreams smacks of Gift of the Magi while remainingoriginal, heartwarming, and honestly lovely. Dragonfly Dreams sucked me in andheld me from start to finish. Jake is sweet, kind, and noble – everything atrue romantic hero should be. Loral, on the other hand, is tough yet vulnerableand adorable – the perfect heroine. I give this the highest rank because Iwould read it again and again.” ~ Becca

Where can you get the book?? Click a link...

Amazon, BN, Smashwords, ARe

(Smashwords offers the ebook in formats for Kobo, Sony, iBooks, and other devices.)

Also, if the title sounds familiarto some of you, yes this is the same Christmas novella I released four yearsago with TWRP. (Nominated at LASR for Best Short eBook 2007) I’vere-edited, added an epilogue, and had a beautiful new cover designed. Asecond read might just be worth it and you can help out at the same time.

On the other hand, I also realizethat times are tough for everyone, so at the very least, some “Likes” and tagson Amazon and/or Barnes and Noble would be greatly appreciated, too. What does that do? It increases the book's visibility so hopefully more readers can find it online and purchase a copy.

Lastly, I ask you to keep the White's and their extended family ~ my cousin Jimmy, my aunt, uncle, and other cousins in the Tiemann Family ~ in your prayers for hope and comfort.

If you have someone you would like added to our prayers, leave a comment with their name. We may not know each other, but additional people praying loved one's names is always a good thing.

Thank you all very much for your help and MerryChristmas!

Stacey Joy Netzel

Help me help others with Dragonfly Dreams

2011-12-06T13:22:00.001-06:00

I've just released my Christmas novella, Dragonfly Dreams. In the spirit of giving that this story is all about, I'm going to donate anything I make on this book for the month of December. See this blog to meet the White Family.

The ebook is priced at $2.99, and I make about $2.00 for each sale. If you decide to purchase a copy, or gift one to someone else via Amazon for their Kindle, you not only get to help out for less than the cost of a McDonald's Big Mac, or a Grande latte at Starbucks, but you also get a good book that'll warm your heart this Christmas. I say that based on reviews, not just my own opinion. *smile*

Got Romance Holiday Reviews~ 5 Stars ~ “I sincerelyadored this story. Dragonfly Dreams smacks of Gift of the Magi while remainingoriginal, heartwarming, and honestly lovely. Dragonfly Dreams sucked me in andheld me from start to finish. Jake is sweet, kind, and noble – everything atrue romantic hero should be. Loral, on the other hand, is tough yet vulnerableand adorable – the perfect heroine. I give this the highest rank because Iwould read it again and again.”~ Becca

Night Owl Reviewer TOP PICK ~ “Ms. Netzel penneda remarkable ending that totally surprised me and she masterfully tied all theloose ends up for each one of her characters. This is a charming tale thatblended strength, hope and love into one fantastic story.” ~ Diana Coyle

My goal is to sell 250 books so I can donate $500 this Christmas, and I will keep a running tab on the right side of my blog so everyone can see where I'm at for the month.

I would greatly appreciate all the help anyone is willing to offer by sharing this post on Facebook, Twitter, or via email.

And if you're an author willing to post it to your blog, I'd be very grateful as well!

Click HERE to read my blog post with the blurb and excerpt.

Click any of the below links to purchase your copy of Dragonfly Dreams and help me reach the goal of 250 sales!

Smashwords, Amazon Kindle, BN Nook, All Romance eBooks (ARe)

Thank you for your support and Merry Christmas!!

Stacey Joy Netzel

Dragonfly Dreams

2011-12-06T12:12:00.001-06:00

Dragonfly Dreams is a spirit-of-giving novella dedicated to my wonderful mom. A story told at my parents' rummage sale, coupled with my mom's love of antiques and costume jewelry inspired this book. I hope you enjoy!

This book was previously published with The Wild Rose Press, but I've re-edited and added to it, along with having my wonderful cover artist Tamra Westberry design a new cover.

Release date, Dec. 6th, 2011

Reviews

Got Romance Holiday Reviews ~ 5 Stars ~ “I sincerelyadored this story. Dragonfly Dreams smacks of Gift of the Magi while remainingoriginal, heartwarming, and honestly lovely. Dragonfly Dreams sucked me in andheld me from start to finish. Jake is sweet, kind, and noble – everything atrue romantic hero should be. Loral, on the other hand, is tough yet vulnerableand adorable – the perfect heroine. I give this the highest rank because Iwould read it again and again.” ~ Becca

Night Owl Reviews ~ Reviewer TOP PICK ~ “Ms. Netzel penneda remarkable ending that totally surprised me and she masterfully tied all theloose ends up for each one of her characters. This is a charming tale thatblended strength, hope and love into one fantastic story.” ~ Diana Coyle

Dragonfly Dreams, by Stacey Joy Netzel

Can a familyconnection to the ill-fated Titanic bring new hope to sinking dreams?

With hisantique shop on the brink of bankruptcy, Jake Coburn knows he shouldn’t buycostume jewelry at a price that won’t turn a profit. Then again, it’s Christmas, and he hasn’tbeen able to say no to Loral Evan’s since the first time she entered his shop.

Desperation is what drives Loral Evans tosell precious family heirlooms, but Jake’s offer of one thousand dollars for adragonfly brooch she knows is fake stings her pride. If only she could afford to walk away fromthe handsome antique dealer.

During a season of giving, Loral learns there’sa big difference between pride and dignity, and Jake’s determination to do theright thing brings rewards beyond what either of them ever dreamed of.

EXCERPT:

Loral hunched her shoulders andjogged toward the bus stop. Despite the December chill biting through her coat,humiliation still burned her cheeks. It was bad enough that she knew he knewshe was desperate enough to sell their family heirlooms piece by agonizingpiece, but to have him offer her money outright? Mortified didn’t begin tocover it.

The first time she’d met Jake,her heart hadn’t stopped racing until after she’d left the antique shop anddriven half-way home. She’d been captivated by his dark good-looks the momentshe first walked through the doors, and then he’d smiled that sincere, casualsmile that reached all the way to his amber eyes. It was his smile that kepther coming back, even though it became harder and harder to face him with herhead held high.

The worst part was she alwayswondered if he paid more for the items she brought than they were worth. Thoughhe never paid more than the list prices she looked up at the library, it wascertainly more than he should in order to make a profit. But, unable to resistthe lure of seeing him again and again, of deepening what she hoped was abudding friendship, she’d pushed aside her suspicion instead of finding anotherdealer.

Now she knew. She didn’t have totouch the sixteen one hundred dollar bills stuffed deep in her jeans pocket toknow they were there. One thousand dollars for the dragonfly. She snorted withannoyance.

Sure, it was beautiful, butshe’d have seen through that ridiculous offer even if he hadn’t tried to giveher a handout moments earlier. Pain had sliced through her, because while she’dmelted inside from the heat of his electric touch on her hands, seconds laterhe’d revealed he only felt sorry for her.

Well, at least it was over. She’dsold him the last of what she and her mother owned that would bring in theamount of cash they needed. She had no clue what they’d do next month, but nowshe had no reason to see Jake Coburn again.

A lump formed in her throat. Sheswallowed it down and increased her stride as fat, wet snowflakes began to sinkfrom the city-lit sky above her. Turning the corner, she saw the blue bus atthe end of the block, accelerating away from her stop.

“No!”

She ran faster on the slicksidewalk, but it was no use. The taillights grew smaller and smaller until theybecame a blur, blending with other vehicles and the Christmas lights twinklingalong the street.

Loral came to a defeated halt,lungs burning, her breath pluming out to mingle with the snow as she braced herhands on her knees. Another bus wouldn’t come for forty-five minutes, and giventhe fact that she needed every damn dollar in her pocket, a cab wasn’t even aconsideration; she’d have to wait.

Headlights flashed behind her. Aftera quick glance over her shoulder at a black sedan driving toward her, shestraightened and shoved her hands deep into her pockets.

She’d wait for the next bus,just not out here on the freezing street. In the dark. Alone. Walking briskly downthe block, she waited for the car to pass. Anxiety rippled along her spine withthe realization that it’d slowed to keep pace with her. Her numb fingers curledaround the can of pepper spray at the bottom of her pocket.

“Loral? What are you doing?”

Jake’s disapproving voice jerkedher attention to the car. Her heart pounded loud in her ears. Not wanting himto see she was cold, she hugged her arms across her middle to stop hershivering as she peered through his passenger side window. He watched her fromhis leather seats with the street light above casting light onto his headthrough the sun roof. Great—nothing like adding insult to injury.

She resumed walking. “What doesit look like I’m doing?”

The engine of his car revved ashe caught up with her again. “Did your Tahoe break down? Do you need me to callsomeone for you?”

Okay, just shoot me now. She glanced in the direction the bus haddisappeared, and lifted her chin while keeping her voice indifferent. “I sold theTahoe two months ago.”

“You’re not walking home, areyou?” The tone of his voice conveyed his disbelief. “It’s below freezing.”

A snowflake caught on hereyelashes, she blinked it away. “I missed my bus and the next one isn’t untileight. I can hardly just sit here and wait.”

“Can’t you call someone?”

She didn’t answer, unwilling toexplain that she not only didn’t have a cell phone, but no one to call for help.Like she needed more of his pity tonight.

“No family?” He paused. “Aboyfriend?”

She shook her head sharply,still walking as his car inched alongside at an idle.

“Let me give you a ride, then.”

Two years ago she would’vegladly accepted, following her desire to spend some time with him. Now sheforced a smile to her stiff lips and willed her teeth not to chatter. “Thanksfor the offer, but I’ll just wait for the next bus. There’s a coffee shop a fewblocks from here.”

A horn blasted behind them. Loralflinched, glanced at the irritated driver behind them, and waved Jake onward. “Go.Seriously, I’ll be fine.”

With a rev of the engine, hissleek black car surged forward. She fought disappointment until he swervedsharply into an empty parking spot halfway down the block. Her step slowed asthe impatient driver zoomed past. Jake swung from his car and strode toward herwith those long legs of his that made him tower over her five feet five inches.

“That coffee shop closes atsix,” he told her. “Not enough evening traffic.”

Just her luck. The unfairness inher life threatened to overwhelm her, but she refused to let the uselessemotion drown her in the undertow. Things wouldn’t change until her mother wasbetter, and until then, she’d just deal with missed buses and closed coffeeshops.

She lifted her head to meetJake’s gaze, noticing how quickly the snow gathered on his dark hair. Her ownhair must be covered. She reached up a hand to brush it off, then wished shehadn’t as the moisture made her fingers even colder and frigid air rushed underthe bottom edge of her coat. A shiver shook her shoulders.

Jake muttered under his breathwhile shrugging out of his black leather jacket. Before she realized hisintent, he stepped forward and draped it around her. Immediate warmth permeatedher somewhat threadbare coat, lethally combined with the scent of leather andman. Her senses sharpened even as the rest of the world faded away, leaving herunable to do anything more than stare up at him.

He stood close enough to makeher knees weak, a hand on either lapel, tugging the jacket tight so she waswrapped in a comforting cocoon of warmth. His eyes reminded her of the melted caramelher grandmother used to drizzle over ice cream.

“Let me take you home, Loral.”

~*~

Thank you for reading!!

Smashwords, Amazon Kindle, BN Nook, All Romance eBooks (ARe)

Stacey Joy Netzel

Sunday Share: Winner's choice!

2011-12-04T09:38:00.001-06:00

I'm doing something a little different on Sunday Share this week. I'd like you to share some books on your 'Wish List' so we can all maybe learn about some new authors.

Whomever I pick as the winner from the comments will get one of the books on their list from me! (up to $6.00) I'll gift the ebook from Amazon for Kindle, or a Barnes & Noble gift card for Nook.

So I'll start with what's on my 'Wish List'/TBR list:

western paranormal novella

at Amazon

Stonehenge is the second in a YA series by Lisa Graves (check out the first, Atlantis, which I loved!)

I've read a couple of Edie Ramer's other books (Cattitude, Galaxy Girls) but haven't gotten to this one yet...

And this 3rd installment in the great Brother's In Arms series by Carol Ericson will be a Nook purchase very soon...

This one I've read, and hope to feature on the blog with Arlene Webb very soon. I had to add it today because this cover did it's job getting me to read the blurb, which totally sold me. Let me tell you, this science fiction suspense story with layers of romance is SO good!!

That's it for me for now, even though there's many more books on my TBR list on my Nook. I'd run out of room if I tried to list them all.

So now it's your turn. Introduce me to some new authors on your lists!

Stacey Joy Netzel

Sunday Share: A Fool's Fool, by Sandra Marshall + Giveaway

2011-11-27T09:08:00.001-06:00

Welcome to Sandra K. Marshall today, who's sharing a copy of her short contemporary romance, A FOOL'S FOOL. I read it this Spring and enjoyed this light, fun story.

A FOOL'S FOOL, by Sandra K. Marshall

Genre: Sweet contemporary romance

Pranks are carried too far.

Kathy O'Reilly, a strong-willed woman doesn't allowmen to walk over her or anyone else. When one of the co-owner's of Gagsters, Norm Jokes, is allowed to get awaywith playing pranks, she speaks up to her boss.

Jason Barrone, co-owner of Gagsters is attracted tohis assistant and will not allow his best friend to cause him to lose her. Jason wants them to be friends because hedoesn't want to have to make a choice of who goes and who stays.

Excerpt:

KathyO'Reilly walked softly behind Norm Jokes as he crept up the aisle between thecubicles, making sure he didn't know she was near. It was obvious he wasplanning to sneak up on someone to either scare or do something worse.

Norm was as obnoxious as any guyshe'd ever met, but for some reason her friend, Allyson Metzl, thought thejoker just needed attention.

Uh oh—Normsped up, and she saw the reason why.

Allyson stood just a few feet away,waving her hands as she leaned in a cubicle to talk to a co-worker. Herfriend’s back was to him; Allyson's long dark hair covered the derrière of herdiminutive figure.

Her palhad just gone through a divorce, and was feeling frail. There was no way Kathywould let anyone hurt her friend again. Kathy called out, "Allyson."

Allyson wheeled around, her mouthopened in a big O when she almost smacked into Norm.

He put his hands on Allyson’sshoulders. Don’t move so suddenly. You almost knocked me down, and I would’vefell on top of you.‛ He glanced over his shoulder at Kathy.

With an inward laugh, she joinedthem. "Stopped you from being an obnoxious ass.‛ She watched him, knowingby his grin that he’d enjoyed himself. "You're going to get into bigtrouble one day." His right eye ticked knowing he'd been caught in theact. Too bad fellow.

"Did someone want me?"Allyson asked; her black lashes fluttered as she glanced between Kathy andNorm.

His face reddening, Norm stuttered,"I wanted to tell you how pretty you look in your outfit."

"Thank you for noticing,Norm." Allyson peeked up at him. "It's new."

The skunk, he hadn't even noticedher friend's lime green outfit until he needed to get his ass out of a jam."Allyson, I wanted to talk to you a moment."

"Uh, I'll leave you two toit," Norm muttered.

Kathy glared after him as he slinkedtoward his office. He had nerve pretending to have noticed Allyson other thanher butt. She hoped her friend didn't fall for his Mr. Nice Guy act.

Allyson's cherry red lips turned up,laughing she showed perfect white teeth and her milk chocolate gaze focused onKathy. "The way you're scowling at Norm he must've been up to nogood."

"He almost got you, but Imanaged to save you."

Allyson laughed, her eyes sparkling.She shook her head, her long straight hair swaying from side to side."Thanks, but who knows? Maybe I would have liked it.‛

Her friend hadn’t dated since herdivorce, and she constantly defended Norm to the other girls in the building.Why? Kathy couldn’t understand unless Allyson secretly had a crush on him.Kathy hoped not, because in truth, the man terrorized all of them. They wereafraid to say anything for fear of losing their jobs. Luckily, she wasn’t inthe same circumstance since she worked for the head boss.

"Next time I’ll let him getyou.‛ She grimaced. You need to get out more if that guy interests you.‛ Healmost pinched her friend’s bottom. He liked to pinch the other girls and playpranks on them.

Now you’re just being mean.‛ Allyson’sperfect white teeth chewed her bottom lip. I think he’s cute.‛

"To each their own, butsomething has to be done to stop him from picking on all the women."

Allyson giggled. I might be able tohelp. We could play a trick on him. April Fool’s Day will be here soon and itwould be an appropriate time to do something to him.‛

"Great. I would like nothingbetter than to get revenge on the skinny runt."

Her dark brows rose and Allysonasked, "Has he done anything to you?"

"He better not or I’ll make hislife miserable." If Norm ever pinched her, she would bring a harassmentlawsuit against him and the company, Gagsters, Incorporated.

"You won't do anything to hurthis feelings, will you Kath?" Allyson’s brows knit together slightly.

Well, on second thought not againstGagsters, just Norm. She didn't want to hurt her boss, Jason Barrone. As hisadministrative assistant, Kathy was treated courteously and as an equal. Notonly was he a perfect gentleman, he was a very handsome one. She liked hiscleft chin and green brown-flecked eyes. Besides, he often told her he couldn'tdo without her— she was his right arm.

For some reason, she was drawn toJason even though normally, she went for the tall, dark, and dangerous badboys. Jason was the exact opposite with his light brown hair streaked blondfrom the sun. The one time she accidentally bumped into him he was solid as arock and just as dependable.

A veil lifted from Allyson’s faceand a light shone in her eyes. Her friend’s hound dog nose twitched on thescent of a mystery. She’d better say something quick.

"Feelings. I doubt if Norm hasany, he's such a dope. His antics have to be stopped." She leaned towardAllyson with her hands fisted, but at the widening of her friends eyes, Kathydrew back, took a deep breath, and relaxed her hands.

"You know the other girls won't step outof their cubicles when he's around, and when they go to the lunchroom orbathroom they're constantly looking for him over their shoulders."

Allyson nodded. "I know. Someof the younger girls have even talked to me about it."

"Then you’re completely with meon this?"

"Ihave an idea of something we can do that would get the message across withouthurting him."

"What?" Kathy watchedexcitement build on her friend’s face.

"I’m an artist. I could make aposter to put in his office or hang overhead somewhere."

Smiling, Kathy said,"Okay."

"Later. My phone isringing." Allyson hurried away to answer the call.

Kathywondered what kind of drawing Ally would come up with. She hoped Norm couldtake a joke. After all, he dished out plenty of them. It was time for him tohave some pranks pulled on him. Besides, it was going to be April Fool’s Day ina week.

* * * * *

Jason stood in the doorway of hisoffice pretending to read some papers while covertly watching the womenscurrying excitedly from one cubicle to another. They whispered for a fewminutes, giggled, and looked nervously around as if afraid of being caught.

He'd been traveling on business fora month, and when he came back from his trip he’d noticed a difference in theoffice. He’d watched the women for days and the ringleader appeared to beassistant's friend, Allyson.

His gaze turned to Kathy, noting thefreckles sprinkled across her pale cheeks while a couple more dotted her nose.She tried to hid them with makeup, but he thought they were cute. She seemedimmune to the activity outside her window.

Ever since she'd started working forhim, he'd wanted to grab a handful of the thick red, blonde-streaked hair thatfell around her shoulders. He wanted to rub his face in the strands. Wheneverhe was near her he would inhale her fresh citrus scent, and he wanted to getcloser to her, nibble on her neck, and see what she would look like naked.

There was something about thismatter-of-fact woman that fascinated him. She drew him to her on a sexuallevel. He couldn't help wondering what she was like away from work or in bed.

She looked fantastic in anything shewore but this top fit her lovely shaped breasts like a second layer of skin. Wouldthe buds be pink or brown, he wondered.

Kathy raised her head and turned tolook intently at him. "Do you want something?"

Oops, he'dbeen caught staring. He gazed into her topaz eyes then turned to look out herwindow before saying, "I'm wondering what the girls are up to."

Her eyebrows rose and her headtilted to one side. "What makes you think they're up to anything?"

Ah ha, he'dsurprised her. She glanced at her desk, and he realized he was right, she knewmore than she would admit. "They're all abuzz about something. Kind oflike a bunch of busy bees in their hives."

Lowering her chin, she gazed at himwith a smile on her lips and in her light yellow-brown eyes. "Well, youknow a special day is coming up for us."

"Ah." Jason leaned morecomfortably against the doorframe. "You're referring to April Fool’sDay." Just as he thought, they were planning a practical joke for one ofthem, either Norm or himself. He hoped it wasn't his friend.

Jason didn't know how Norm wouldreact to someone pulling a stunt on him. He'd always been a jokester. He usedit to defend himself against school bullies and to hide the fact that he didn’thave a normal family. If he thought they were tormenting, him, he'd get even.

Kathy nodded her head. "Thegirls thought it might be time to take a more active part developing pranks,and what better way to start than on April 1st?"

"Just as long as no one getshurt," he said, turning back into his room. Jason knew Norm was sensitive,even though he didn’t show that side of himself at work. He needed tounderstand that other people might have those same feelings.

"Oh, not likely," shesaid.

Her annoyed tone warned him thatthere was more going on than Kathy was telling him. He just hoped it wasnothing that required him to fire someone.

~*~

Sandra grew up in themid-west in a small farming community where she belonged to 4-H. When she wasthirteen, her family moved to, Lawrence, Kansas,the town where the University of Kansasthrived. After high school, she traveledto California to live with a friendand to find a job. She became very homesick and returned home.

She worked for a majorairline for thirty-six years and did extensive travel during that period. Itwas a lovely time in her life working for a wonderful company. In 1999 she retired to write full time andworked seriously toward publication.

In 2008, she had her firstbook published, and then her second one in 2009. Shortly after her publisherclosed their doors, and she immediately moved to a new publisher. She is stillwith the publisher and has had three books and a short story published withthem. She's working on another shortstory and a mystery romance.

~*~

Thank you for allowing me to be on your blog today,Stacey. The premise for A Fool's Fool came from a situation my youngestdaughter found herself in. In my story, I put the situation in a workenvironment involving bullying. I hope you'll be curious to know whathappens.

I can be found at my website: http://www.skaymarshall.com and numerousother places. http://www.skaymarshall.com
http://www.eirelander-publishing.com
http://www.sandramarshallblog.blogspot.com
http://www.myspace.com/s_zinn_marshall

Places where A Fool's Fool can be found:

http://www.eirelander-publishing.com

Barnes and Noble, Amazon, CoffeeTimes Romance,

All Romance Ebooks and many others.

Sandy

~*~

You're welcome, Sandy, thank you for your gracious offer to share a copy of A FOOL'S FOOL with one of the commenters! We'll keep the comments open until Wednesday when Sandy will pick a name and post the winner for her ebook.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day everyone!

Stacey

Win a Kindle Nov 25th - Dec 1st. #Christmaskindle

2011-11-25T19:55:00.001-06:00

Welcome to the #ChristmasKindle event sponsored by Independent Inklings and 55 Fine Indie Authors.

Runs Nov. 25th-Dec. 1st. Good luck!

If Tombstones Could Talk, by Stacey Joy Netzel

2011-11-13T11:45:00.001-06:00

A short paranormal romance inspired by an event listing in my local newspaper. Previously published with The Wild Rose Press in 2007, I've re-edited and added scenes from the hero's point of view to enhance the story. Hope you enjoy!

IF TOMBSTONES COULD TALK

by Stacey Joy Netzel

Genre: paranormal

Heat Level: sweet

Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords and other online retailers where ebooks are sold.

ebook only: $0.99

Available at: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, ARe

Had someone asked Melanie Sparks if she believed in ghosts, she’d have laughed before voicing an emphatic “No.” Then she takes a walking tour of the cemetery in her new hometown of Lindeman’s Crossing, Colorado and meets one of the residents face to face.

The story behind Andrew Lindeman's tragic death after the Pike’s Peak Gold Rush in 1859 triggers dreams in which she relives his last moments. Drawn to the handsome ghost, attraction builds, and she resolves to clear his tarnished name. A passionate kiss sets his spirit free, but will Melanie lose her heart forever?

~*~

Excerpt:

She started with the trail next to the river behind her cottage. The walk along the South Platte River settled her nerves until she realized it’d looped through the park and led her back to the cemetery. Her feet rooted to the spot outside the gate as she stared intently at that one specific shaded gravesite.

Everything looked normal. No shadow figures. No shimmering air. No voices in her head.

Most likely her subconscious had been playing with her yesterday. Her imagination had been in overdrive after all the wonderful history she’d learned.

Still hesitant, Melanie entered the deserted grounds and followed the path John had led the senior group along the day before. Every so often she snuck a glance toward the black granite, until at the end, she once again stood in front of the stone.

Deep breath. Let it out slow. Everything’s fine.

Squatting down, she reached to touch the old, worn stone sunk in the earth.

Cold. As it should be.

Her gaze rose to the other one looming in front of her. Nervous anticipation mixed with dread, raising goose bumps on her arms like yesterday. Much as she didn’t want to touch its smooth surface, she had to make sure. Her hand trembled slightly as she extended her arm.

Cool.

Relief tingled through her entire body.

With one finger, she traced the A in Andrew, then flattened her palm over the name.

In a single instant, the granite warmed, almost to the point of burning her flesh. She yanked her hand back with a gasp, then nearly jumped out of her skin when a male figure materialized out of thin air right before her eyes.

Dark, glittering eyes locked on her. A scream froze in her throat and she found she couldn’t breathe.
If she stayed still, would it go away?

Her lungs burned. She needed oxygen or she’d faint. Rising slowly, she drew in a deep breath of air, then concentrated on repeating the process until her legs steadied. All the while, her mind registered details.

The man of her dreams. Tall. Dark, wavy hair, worn long enough to hang over his forehead and brush the collar of his black shirt. Eyes that at first glance appeared black but now she saw were a sexy slate gray. His thick eyebrows shadowed them, making them seem darker. A hint of a five o’clock shadow lent a sinister air, yet she wasn’t truly afraid of him.

“You can see me.” The husky accusation washed over her.

~*~

Thanks for reading!

Available at: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, ARe

Stacey Joy Netzel

Lost In Italy, by Stacey Joy Netzel

2011-11-13T11:19:00.001-06:00

This book was inspired by a personal experience where my brother and sister drove off without me in Italy. Took them ten minutes to realize I wasn't in the car, and another almost twenty to find their way back on the one way streets around Lake Como. I've since forgiven them, and we enjoy a good laugh about the incident.

Pick up a copy of the book and you can enjoy my therapy session over the experience, in about 112,000 words.

Lost In Italy

“…starts off right away, and every page that follows is packed full of excitement that will keep you on the edge of your seat.” Danielle The Book Whore Blog ~ 5 Hearts—Could not put down amazing

Genre: Romantic Suspense
Heat level: Hot

Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, and other online retailers.

Ebook: $3.99
Print at Amazon: $14.99

The best laid plans…

Halli Sanders spent two years planning the trip of a lifetime to Italy. Her itinerary did not include being stranded by her siblings, kidnapped by a sexy American movie star, dodging bullets, or fleeing criminals in a car chase around Lake Como. And that’s just in the first three hours.

…often go awry.

Trent Tomlin put his movie career on hold to investigate his brother’s murder-ruled-suicide at his Italian villa. He’s closing in on the suspects when an American tourist unwittingly films the murder of the retired cop helping him. The killers will stop at nothing to get the evidence—including holding Halli’s family as collateral.

Life’s a little different unscripted.

Thrust into the role of real-life hero, Trent finds himself falling for the Plain Jane whose beauty blossoms with every challenge they face. But how can he keep the evidence from falling into the wrong hands and get justice for his brother and friend without betraying Halli and her family?

~*~

A lone swan near shore reminded her of the camera still clutched in her hand. The red light on the front reminded her she was still recording. Ironically, the camera was part of the reason she was sitting here alone, and yet she’d completely forgotten about it.

She stopped the video and swiveled to take a seat on the cool ledge of stone that held the lake water at bay. It was the perfect vantage point to keep the loitering man across the street in sight. A glance over her shoulder located where the other swans had landed a good distance from the villa’s dock.

She frowned and faced the lake. Strange how that person had burst so suddenly from the villa.

The noon sun sat at a point that she had to squint and shade her eyes to see the structure’s stone walls across the small inlet of water. Even then, it was too far away for the naked eye. Flipping open the viewfinder as she lifted the camera, she waited for it to focus, then tried to zoom. The low battery indicator flashed as she maxed the zoom.

She studied the picture. Something was different—one of the windows looked odd. Her attention snagged on a tall figure in the corner of the pane. Longish dark hair above a square jaw with a severe slash for a mouth. He raised a pair of binoculars to look across the bay. Her pulse jerked when he zeroed in and stared straight at her—

Tires squealed and an engine revved loud to her right. Halli jumped about a foot. Ben and Rachel! An uncharacteristic spurt of anger doubled her anxiety as she whirled around.

“I can’t believe you guys left—”

Words disappeared with the heart-stuttering realization that the shiny blue convertible half pulled onto the cobblestone sidewalk was not her brother and sister. And the man in the driver’s seat most certainly was nother brother.

Plain was the first word that came to mind when Trent Tomlin got a good, close-up look at the girl dressed in baggy black pants and an oversized black T-shirt. Except for her eyes. Almost the exact color of his car, they blazed with anger—if the shrill tone of her voice were any indication.

Because he couldn’t afford to waste a second, he slipped into his carefree, celebrity character while pushing up his Ray Bans to flash his trade-mark, million dollar grin past the two day’s worth of camouflaging scruff on his jaw.

“Hi.” Usually that’s all he needed. One…two…

Astonishment replaced anger.

…three.

“Oh my God. You’re Shain West.”

“Only in the movies, darlin’.”

That always got ‘em, too, the good-ol’-boy, southern drawl. Didn’t matter he’d been born and raised in northern Oregon, he had a natural talent for mimicking any accent. After just a few words, he easily placed her in mid-west

United States

. American tourist. Perfect. It also explained why she’d been video taping in the wrong place at the wrong damn time. The opposite of his brother, and if he could help it, the opposite outcome.

Her cheeks flushed. “Of course. I know your real name. Sorry. It’s just—I’m…ah…I’m…”

Hell, he’d better speed this up. “Can I give you a lift?”

“W-what?” She craned her head around, as if he might be speaking to someone else.

Resisting the urge to check over his shoulder, he kept his gaze trained on her. “You look lost. Hop in and I’ll give you a ride.”

Her throat convulsed, and though he wouldn’t have thought it possible, her blush deepened to crimson. A fleeting smile revealed even, white teeth.

“Oh, no. I mean, um, thank you, but no.”

She lifted a hand to tuck a strand of straight brown hair behind her ear as she searched back and forth along the road.

Trentcast his own quick glance in the rearview mirror, pressure squeezing his body like a starving boa constrictor as he searched for the men who’d spotted her and her camera across the bay. By his amateur calculations, he figured he had about three more minutes. If they were lucky.

Pushing up to sit on the headrest, he prepared to turn on the superstar charm that had brought him such success at the box office.

“I’m waiting for my brother and sister,” she said before he could speak.

So that’s who’d driven off as he watched the scene unfold from one street above and behind her. He lifted a tense shoulder in a careless gesture. “Quick spin around town, and I’ll bring you right back. They’ll never know you were gone, sugar.”

Her eyebrows drew together above those deep blue eyes. Damn. He fought his own frown. Based on previous experience with star-struck women, she should’ve jumped in at the first invitation. Wasn’t it just his luck, this one had common sense.

Leaving the car running, he swung his legs over the door and rounded the front of the convertible. His heart thumped with each step as he tried to figure out the best way to get her out of this mess. It was one thing when he was following a script, but how the hell did one orchestrate a rescue in real life when the rescuee wouldn’t cooperate and he had no time to explain the danger? It’s not like he could play her the recording tucked in his pocket.

The girl backed away from his approach. He fought back rising apprehension and forced an easy smile.

“Look, I appreciate the offer, Shain, but—”

“Trent.”

“Right.” Her blush deepened. “I know. Trent. But I—”

“I need you to get in the car.” As an afterthought, he added, “Please.”

“Um…”

He used her glance down the road as cover for his own. Still time, yet his control slipped. “Seriously. Get in.”

The sharp command widened her eyes. Suspicion darkened them to navy, and she took another step backward. Then her shoulders squared while her gaze narrowed with determination. “No.”

The right taillight on his Alfa Romeo exploded. Trentducked reflexively as bits of plastic flew in all directions. Adrenaline spiked through him, but other than a sharp reactive jerk, the girl just stood there holding her camera. Trentlunged forward, grabbed her arm and hauled her toward the car.

“Hey—let me go!” She pulled back with surprising strength.

He picked her up and shoved her head first into the passenger seat, then vaulted over her to slip behind the wheel. Heartbeat thundering in his ears, he gunned the gas with a sickening grinding of gears before the convertible shot out into traffic amidst screeching tires and blaring horns.

~*~

Pick up your copy today to finish the wild ride!

Ebook: $3.99

Print at Amazon: $14.99

Amazon: http://amzn.to/LostInItaly

B&N: http://bit.ly/BNLostInItaly

Smashwords: http://bit.ly/SWLostInItaly

(formats for iBook Store, Sony, Kobo, PDF, EPUB and other ereaders)

Thanks so much for reading and reviews are always greatly appreciated!

Stacey Joy Netzel