Friday, May 31, 2013

Non-Fiction Friday!

Happy Non-Fiction Friday!
 
Today I'm out celebrating. What am I celebrating, you ask? The end of the school year! I've been at my school since January, have made new friends and have secured a spot on staff for next year. I'm excited to start plotting and planning my 6th grade classroom for 2013-2014 over the summer.
 
BUT.....
 
At the moment, I'm more excited to celebrate this year being over! I've learned a lot, I've helped a lot of students and I've pitched in to assist wherever I was needed. I'm proud of our accomplishments and of getting a chance to get some kids excited about learning. But EVERYONE is ready to be on vacation! We all, kids and staff, need to be away from each other. We all need a break to relax and reorganize our brains.
 
Yesterday I went out to lunch with one of my new friends to celebrate and today I think a bunch of us might also be going out for lunch (since both days have been half days). THEN tonight I get to celebrate all over again with my writing happy hour group! Whoohoo! Who knows? Maybe I'll continue celebrating all weekend!

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Hot Summer Nights Winner!

 
Thank you to everyone who stopped by and left comments during the Blog Hop! Using random.org, I've unveiled the winner of my prize. The winner is......
 
Veronica Vaughn
 
Veronica, congratulations! Look for an email from me shortly about getting your $10 Amazon gift card and other book swag items out to you!

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Way Back Wednesday!

Welcome to Way Back Wednesday! With the end of the school year only 2 days away, I thought I'd share a memory from my professional, "real world" career.
 
In 2002, I finished my first year of teaching. At the time, the school was new and most of the teachers were as well. In all we had 5 teachers, 2 staff members and about 50 kids. Needless to say we were a lot like a family.
 
On the last day of school, the staff decided to go out for drinks. Most of went, including our super cool principal who, I think, bought us a round of drinks. We stayed, talked, patted each other on the back. We drank and drank....and drank some more. At one point, we glanced out the window in the restaurant and saw the traffic and decided to stay for dinner...and more drinks.
 
By the end of our night, the sky was dark and the staff at the restaurant had stopped coming to our table. Much of a hint?
 
It was a great time with great people and I'm so thankful I started my teaching career where I did. The following year things changed, the school grew and although it was still a great place to be, nothing could compare to that last day of our first year.

Sunday, May 26, 2013

Sneak Peek Sunday!



Welcome back to Sneak Peek Sunday, where authors post 6 paragraphs of a published work or a work-in-progress for your enjoyment! To see who else is participating, visit here!

Now, for my sneak peek.....

Over the last 2 weeks I've shared snippets from my June 5th book, Carry Me Home. This story is set in the Scottish Highlands and is a contemporary romance. This sneak peek picks up from what I posted last week. Mary MacDougall has only been back in the Highlands for seconds and she's already struggling with herself and her husband. To read the opening of the book, click here. To read last week's snippet, click here.

And now, for this week's 6 paragraphs.....

 


Nothing had changed. Making this trip had been the right decision. The sooner their marriage was over, the sooner she could move on with her life.

"Thank you, but I’d rather you brought me the signed divorce papers." She flexed her fingers around the suitcase handle and started down the stairs.

With the flowers still in Jamie’s hand.

A small smile crossed her lips. She’d take any victory she could. This would be a fierce battle.

"Mary, wait." His work shoes clumped down the wooden stairs.


Please keep me strong. 

Friday, May 24, 2013

Non-Fiction Friday!

Welcome back for another installment of Non-Fiction Friday! This is where I talk about my "real world" adventures.
 
So, a while back I told you I signed my new contract at the day job for the 2013-2014 school year. What I didn't mention was during the conversation about my salary and my teaching duties, the principal also signed me up for some "extra" duties.
 
At first, he tried to get me to agree to be involved in the Quiz Bowl. Um, no. Not gonna happen. I vaguely remember Quiz Bowl from my high school days and I have no desire to be involved. So I played dumb and asked what it was and what I'd have to do. I don't think he really knew because we went back to the drawing board. He started listing off all the duties and I was worried I wouldn't find anything I liked or would be remotely qualified for.
 
In the end, I agreed to be the Spelling Bee coach. I was a great speller when I was in grade school and I remember the spelling bees I was involved in. THEN, I later found out my buddy, the music teacher who started at the school the same time as I did, signed up to also be involved in the Spelling Bees. She and I will have a GREAT time!
 
I also agreed to be involved in the Gifted & Talented Program. I chose that because usually the GT kids are cool kids and well-behaved. Plus I love challenging kids to be life-long learners. There is someone else involved so at least I won't be completely on my own for that.
 
In the end, I think I made good choices! Now, though, I'm thinking that I probably should have asked if there was a newspaper or a creative writing group. Those would be more up my alley. Oh well. There's always the following year! 

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Welcome Kathleen Gallagher!

Folks, help me welcome fellow Decadent Publishing author Kathleen Gallagher! She's here today to share her latest release with us. Read on for the details!


 






BOOK BLURB



Savannah Mason fought for independence since she was a young girl, smothered by a controlling father who insisted she take over his medical practice one day.  Now, at the age of thirty, alienated from her father, the career minded journalist spends long hours at her job, hoping to take the spot as anchor.


On her darkest day twelve years ago, Savannah agreed to give her child up for adoption. She never even had the chance to hold her.  On her daughter’s birthday, a chance encounter gives Savannah an opportunity to explore a corner of her heart she thought was lost forever.


The last thing Savannah wants is a relationship, especially one with a doctor who happens to have two young children.
 

Rob Sinclair, a cardiothoracic surgeon and NY Times best-selling author, needs a promo spot on the television show The News Stop.  When Savannah gets the interview over a senior reporter, a door opens to her future.  However, first she must face the sorrow of her past and cast away the agony of guilt before she’s free to accept love.


Rob’s commitment to climb the ladder of success and provide a good life for his two small children keeps him on the road.  He’s determined to push forward despite the heartache of a broken marriage.  His deepest fear is being an absent parent.  When he meets Savannah Mason, desire and passion awaken his broken spirit.  Will he ever be able to trust another woman?


Savannah and Rob’s strong attraction to one another is undeniable as they follow the path to a place where honesty, love and forgiveness, can bring them both home.
 

When a man who seems totally wrong for Savannah slowly weaves his way into her heart, will he accept her when he learns about her past?


Savannah and Rob’s attraction to one another is undeniable.  As they follow the path to a place where honesty and forgiveness can bring them both home, will it be enough to heal the scars of the past and allow them another chance at love?

 EXCERPT 

Savannah stood and slowly moved toward him. Her chest tightened with each step. As she approached him and admired his broad shoulders, it dawned on her he could be a candidate for People’s sexiest man alive. Control yourself.   

“I’m happy here.”  Savannah admitted. “I love it when the morning light shines on the water and it mimics fine pieces of crystal.”

 Rob slowly approached her. The look in his eyes told her he had more than the view on his mind. Savannah turned away, afraid of what might happen next. Before she could stop him, they were too close for comfort. An electric energy surged between them. With one swift movement, Rob reached for her and gently placed his lips on hers. He cradled her head in his hands as if she was a precious jewel. The warmth of his touch sent shivers down her spine and the world stood still. When Rob’s hands moved slowly across her back, her body went limp and it took her to a level of arousal she never expected. It all happened so quickly, she didn’t have time to react. She found herself spellbound by the feel of his rock hard body pressed up against her chest. All of the emotions she’d kept inside emerged when Rob held her tight. When they finally parted, Savannah stood frozen in shock with her heart pounding and her ears ringing.

Rob’s expression made him look as if he broke the law. He quickly took a step back. “I don’t know what to say. I’m so sorry for my rude behavior.”

 “You weren’t rude. I didn’t stop you.”

 “I don’t know what got into me. You’re an amazing woman and I find you terribly attractive.” He stared deep into her eyes.  

“Thank you.” Savannah looked down, still shocked, but flattered.   

“I’d like to take you on a real date. Would that be possible? Is it against your ethics to date someone you’re working with?”

“There’s no rule against dating a guest on the show. I make my own rules.” Savannah could not believe her own words.

“That’s what I like about you. You’re not afraid of taking a risk. I could tell from the moment I met you, you were a strong, independent woman.”

 Unanswered questions twirled around in Savannah’s mind. What am I doing making a date with a doctor and one with a family, no less. I must be crazy. Her mind told her to run from a relationship with a client, however, her body told her something completely different.

 
Book Trailer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_H1Rnfov70
 
KATHLEEN'S BIO



I write contemporary, paranormal, and erotic romance.

Although writing is my passion, nursing is my vocation. I work in an emergency room, and it’s been challenging, and rewarding, to be such an integral part of so many other’s daily struggles. I have a wonderful husband who always offers his support, and never complains about my crazy schedule. One of our favorite romantic getaways is Cape May, New Jersey, an old historic beach town where we take a step into the past, and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. Although my children are all grown with busy lives of their own, Chaz, our Shepherd mix, still dutifully stands guard at the house. We are also blessed with three adorable grandsons.

Other interests of mine include cooking, reading, and the theater. However, spending time with my family is most important to me. Even though my life is filled with work, family, etc., my mind continues to ponder the next story or concept for a new novel.

You can find Kathleen here!  She loves making new friends!





 




 

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Hot Summer Nights!

 
 
Welcome to the Hot Summer Nights Blog Hop! We're excited to have you join us. We are going to also offering two Grand Prizes!! In order for readers to take part, they must leave their name and email address in their comments. Two winners will be chosen at random and notified no later than May 31, 2013.

1st Grand Prize: (1) Kindle Fire!
2nd Grand Prize: (1) $100 Amazon Gift Card
 
In addition to these fabulous prizes, I'll be giving away a $10 Amazon gift card and some book swag to one commenter here!
 
I'm not such a fan of hot summer nights, unless they include a hot guy by my side! I have to put up with summer heat that threatens to melt me. For the most part, I try to stay inside where there's air conditioning!
 
But my characters, on the other hand....
 
In my upcoming book, Carry Me Home, the main characters have a few steamy summer nights, for sure! Jamie and Mary MacDougall have been married for years, but their marriage is on the verge of collapsing. Mary left town to "get away" and has now returned, six months later, to force Jamie to sign divorce papers. But Jamie has other plans. He knows they are meant to be together and he has every intention of reminding Mary of that. He concocts a plan for an intimate weekend filled with hot nights and sweet days, everything his bonnie lass needs to feel loved and cherished once again. Here's a short excerpt for you!
 
Beads of sweat gathered along Jamie’s collar. His outfit smothered him, but it had been worth every ounce of discomfort. The look on Mary’s face when she saw him in his kilt would live in his brain forever.

And her own dress had left him speechless. Aye, him. The silky fabric clinging to her
called to him, begged him to strip it off her. But he couldn’t. He had to bide his time. He absolutely could not mess this night up. It might be his only chance to save his marriage, to hold onto the woman who owned his heart.  
And so he’d pretended to be a complete gentleman all through dinner, had ignored his body’s urge to claim her once again, and had begun to believe he might have a chance to win her back.

While they waited for Berney to prepare the cranachan, one of her favorite songs came over the speakers. Aye, he’d planned the soundtrack for the evening, but he couldn’t have timed it better. As the first string of notes filled the air, she tilted her head to one side.

Jamie stood and held his hand out to her. "Come."

"What for?"

"A dance."

She hesitated, but only for a moment. As she slid her fingers in his and stood next to him, she said, "Only because you know how much I love this song."

"Fair enough." He tugged her into his arms. Her soft body entwined so perfectly with his, like the old days. They used to hold each other every chance they could get before their world fell apart. He brushed the back of his fingers against her cheek, along her jaw, down her neck. With his hand drifting to the nape of her neck and massaging there, he moved his mouth over her eyes, her nose, her lips. She opened
her mouth to him, invited his tongue with her own, taunting, teasing, playing like brand-new lovers getting to know each other. He supposed, in some ways, that was exactly what they were.

But he’d not rush them. The marriage had taken time to disintegrate. He’d not be able to sew it back together in one more night. Perhaps, though, a long weekend of loving memories would reopen the doors to their love.

He pleasured her mouth, matching her tongue strokes and then taking his away, giving and taking. When the song ended and Berney brought out their traditional Scottish dessert, he guided her back to the table.

And when the meal was completely finished, he escorted her to her hotel room door, kissed her on the cheek, and walked away. Why? Because that was what gentlemen did, and his lass deserved to be treated like a lady.


Now, here's your question for the Blog Hop: What's the steamiest night or steamiest couple you've read? Come on, now! I need some book recommendations! 
 
Leave a comment (with your name and email address) and be in the running for both my prize and one of the grand prizes!
 
Remember, the more you participate, the better your chances are of winning a prize! Visit our other authors, comment and get in the running!