Blog of best-selling authors JJ & TA Ellis - Featuring Bitzes, Tours Reviews and Reveals for indie authors in ALL Genres
Showing posts with label Novel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Novel. Show all posts
PRE-ORDER BLITZ - SECRET OF THE LOST PHARAOH BY CAROLYN ARNOLD (GIVEAWAY)
How You Can Save the World and Enter to Win a $175 Prize Pack!
EXCERPT CHAPTER 6 - ANGUISH: BEN'S STORY
Here are some excerpts from the true beginning of Ben and JC's relationship; the moment when they knew they could finally be together. And this is also the beginnings of the struggles they had with Ben wanting to live free and JC needing to hide.
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2Cwrkik
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“I think we should spend the 22nd together. Movie, pizza and the fort. I’m brace free and should be pretty much good to go.”
"Good. I’ll see you then and I’ll call you tomorrow. Mom’s calling me for supper.”
“Okay, talk to you later. Ben… I love you.”
“I love you too.” He hung up the phone and hurried down the stairs. His smile lit up the whole dining room when he walked in. “Hey everybody!”
“Well, look at you. My happy son is back. That medicine must be starting to work,” Evie gushed.
“It’s more than that I think, Mama,” Dylan piped up. “He was waiting for a call from JC.”
“Oh really?” Cole asked. “You haven’t talked to him in quite a while. Is your fight finally fading?”
Ben smiled and looked around at his family. It seemed the secrecy would begin now, a whole month before JC came home. But they would be able to be together and that was all that mattered. Hell, his family was always so supportive and understanding he might just come out to them soon. It would make things so much easier. “JC and I are friends again. Best friends.”
**********
Ben woke with a feeling that something was wrong. The sun shining through the curtains was too bright and the sounds coming from downstairs were louder than they should be for early morning. His brothers must have had enough of sleeping in on Christmas break. If he’d slept too late, his mom would have woken him. She knew how much it meant to him to be there to greet JC.
Rolling over onto his left side to try to go back to sleep, he was shocked to see that the clock read twelve, but then it was blinking which meant the power had gone out. Shit. What the hell time was it then? If his mother had let him sleep past noon…
Reaching into his nightstand drawer, he pulled out his watch. 11:53. Oh great. If he didn’t hurry, he was going to be late. Minutes later, he was dressed and headed down the stairs. “Ma! Why didn’t you wake me up. You know JC was coming in on the noon bus.”
“I’m sorry, I was on the phone with the insurance company all morning. I figured your alarm would wake you up.”
“But the power went out. My clock was flashing 12.”
“The power didn’t go out, Benjamin. Besides your clock has battery backup.”
“But then why is it flashing?”
“You probably need a new one,” Evelyn sighed. “I’ll grab one while I’m in town. Are you ready to go? You look like you’re about to explode.”
“Yeah,” he smiled big. “Let’s go already!”
Evelyn chuckled and hurried out of the room after her son.
**********
Ben sat on the steps of the porch of JC’s old house. They’d been lucky enough to rent it again. His fingers wouldn’t stop moving, first up and down his pant leg, and then playing with blades of dead grass that poked up out of the mostly melted snow by his feet.
The minute he saw the vehicle turn down the street, he was up and waiting at the side of the driveway. He could see JC in the back cab of the truck but he didn’t want to look too close. Six hard months had passed since they’d seen each other and he wanted to be able to take in every nuance, every change all at once. Although he kept telling himself to breathe, he couldn’t help but hold his breath.
When JC stepped out of the truck, Ben’s gaze swept him from top to bottom then back up to rest on his gorgeous face. A small scar sat on his jaw line, his normally long, dark brown hair was cropped short and a big smile shined on his face.
“Benjamin,” he said with a nod.
“James,” Ben returned.
JC moved well considering what his body had been through recently and before either of them had time to think, they were toe-to-toe. “It’s really good to have you home,” Ben murmured.
“It’s good to be home,” JC whispered, reaching out to briefly embrace his best friend… boyfriend. They both now knew that to each other, home was together.
**********
BONUS EXCERPT
“God, we sound like we’re in love or something. I just wish we could shout it everywhere.”
“Me too…speaking of which, I want to come out to my family. I think it might make it easier. We would have one place where we could hold hands or hug, or kiss – within reason. We could have one place where we could be ourselves.”
“No!” JC exclaimed as he stood up and started to pace. “Do not tell your family!”
“Please, JC. I don’t like keeping things from them. They’ll support us, I’m sure of it.”
“But I can’t take that risk,” JC said, his voice panicked. “It could accidentally come out if even only one person knows.”
“Abby knows.”
“I don’t mind her knowing, she’s one of us and she’s not here for more than a few months a year.”
“My family wouldn’t tell anybody if we asked them not to.” Ben felt sick to his stomach. He didn’t feel like there was anything to hide. Just telling his family was a good compromise. It would make him feel so much better.
EXCERPT CHAPTER 5 - ANGUISH
We've got two short excerpts this time! One shows the rapport between Ben and his best friend/cousin Abigail. They are closer than siblings and she is his main confidant. Their relationship is special and plays a part in her future (In the contemporary romance Stormy Seas: Abigail's Story)
The second excerpt shows a bit of relationship building between Ben and JC before the final get together. Enjoy!
AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER
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“I thought it might be a good idea to steer clear of Chris for a while. I decided to write instead.”
“You reacted better than I would have,” Ben chuckled. “I probably would have stewed over it for a month.”
Abigail shrugged without looking up from her paper. “They’re just boobs and if he sees them now and likes them, he might want to see them again someday.”
“Like you don’t.”
“Ah! I’m offended. I’m sweet and innocent, dear cousin. Heck I’m almost fifteen and I’ve never even had a crush on a girl.”
“Yeah,” Abby laughed. “But you’ve kissed a boy who gave you a boner.”
“Shh, it’s a secret,” he said with wide, innocent eyes and a wink. “Can I draw while you write, or do you want to be alone?”
“You know the answer to that. Go get your stuff.”
**********
JC looked straight ahead through the windshield, he couldn’t quite bring himself to make eye contact. “I just needed to apologize…for how I ended things. I should have told you in person and not with that stupid letter.”
“That hurt…a lot,” Ben admitted, “But I accept your apology.”
JC’s gaze finally swung over to Ben’s and held. “I lied,” he said softly. “I’m not doing good. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t wonder if people assume I’m gay. Or if someone can guess, when I say your name, that we’ve kissed. There isn’t an hour that goes by that I’m not wondering how I can ignore my feelings for you. But on the other hand, I don’t have the strength to not care what people will think. I don’t have the power to admit what’s right in front of me.”
“Good,” Ben said with a smile. “I’m glad you’re miserable and I’m not trying to be mean. I…I just hope that if these things keep lying in your mind that you will eventually realize how much easier it is to just go with your gut and love me.”
“You’re an ass,” JC chuckled. “But I’m not so sure that will ever happen.”
“I can wait,” Ben said with as smile. “But not forever. Someday I will meet someone new.” He hoped he sounded convincing because he couldn’t imagine ever finding anyone else.
JC stared out the windshield again. “Maybe you should just try to do that.”
“I’d rather wait for a while. I have faith in you.”
“So, what have you been up to?” JC asked to change the subject as he fidgeted uncomfortably. And it worked, he and Ben talked about what had been going on in their lives, almost like they were best friends again. But their time was soon interrupted by Abby’s knock on the window. “You’ve got about ten minutes to wrap it up guys. Mom and Dad will be here soon.”
“Can I call…or maybe write to you sometimes?” Ben asked hopefully.
“You can write, but I can’t guarantee I’ll answer. It’s too painful.”
“Okay,” Ben agreed. “I understand.”
“I’d better go,” JC said, reaching for the door handle.
“Wait!” Ben said, grabbing his hand and pulling him close. “Goodbye James.” His lips came down in a kiss that went from sweet to earth shattering before they pulled apart and JC stumbled from the van.
“Goodbye, Benjamin,” he breathed, turning and heading back to where his parents would be waiting for him.
“You okay cousin?” Abby asked, breaking into his reverie.
“For now,” Ben murmured. “For now.”
EXCERPT CHAPTER 1 - LETTING GO
INTRODUCING LETTING GO - How do you move on when your heart is shattered in a single, tragic moment?
James Croft fell for his one true love in high school, only to lose him to suicide. How can he move on from the tragic moment that irrevocably changed his life?
Dr. Trevor Alexander lives for his career, until the day his former patient’s angry, disillusioned father walks back into his life. Suddenly, Trevor wants more.
Desperate to put the past behind him, James reluctantly decides to date the sexy doctor. But maintaining a relationship is easier said than done. Can James come to terms with his past? Can Trevor accept what his lover can never forget?
They must try, because there’s no future in the past. PREORDER: https://www.amazon.com/Letting-One-More-Chance-Book-ebook/dp/B077WV3GWH
At thirty-two, after having been married and raising two kids, all the men who packed the crowded club seemed like babies to him. There had to be another way to meet someone. Maybe he should wait and let things fall where they may. There was bound to be a gay man at the golf course, at the gym, or hell, even at the supermarket, wasn’t there?
The minute a leather clad man with nipple piercings approached him, he turned and fled the building, bumping into Martin as he hurried outside.
“Whoa, where do you think you’re going?” Martin asked, reaching for his arm to turn him back toward the bar.
“This is not my scene, man, “JC said, jerking his arm away. “I’m not going back in there so a leather clad freak can hit on me.”
“I thought you wanted to have some fun!” Martin pouted. “This is the perfect place to let loose and get back into the groove.”
“This is not the groove I want to get into. I’ll take my chances at the supermarket.”
Martin stuck his nose in the air and turned away from JC. After a minute he turned back to him, leveling a haughty gaze at his friend. “Fine! Let’s just go to the boring bar and have a couple of drinks. Nothing going on there but playing pool and…and conversation!” With a look of disgust, he grabbed JC’s arm and dragged him down the street.
The outside of the bar was nice and pretty unassuming. It was an older building that spoke of many generations past, back when Denver had a western flare. It wasn’t one of the new, modern buildings that seemed to have overtaken the city. Except for the name lit up in bright green neon above the door, you would almost move past it without knowing it was even there. “Come on, Mr. Stick in the Mud,” Martin mumbled. “Let’s get this over with.”
“Are you sure this is the right kind of bar?” JC asked as they stepped inside. But he immediately knew he needn’t have asked that question. The long wood bar was crowded with males from every walk of life – from suits to battered jeans and work boots, it was a veritable buffet of men.
Tables were scattered around the back of the room but only one of them was in use. A group of men in dress clothes sat around a rectangular one laughing and joking. The man who held court at the head of the table made JC’s stomach lurch. Dr. Trevor Alexander…the man who had let his daughter die.
“You son of a bitch! You’re lying. What the hell did you do to my daughter?” All JC could hear was his racing heart. All he could see was the room spinning and blurring before him. He had to regain control.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Croft…”
Rage built inside JC and he could no longer control it. The asshole standing in front of him said his Abby was dying. She’d been fine just an hour before. “What the hell did you do to my daughter,” he repeated, stepping toward the doctor. His wife’s firm grip on his arm was the only thing that kept him from wrapping his hands around the man’s throat and putting him in the same state his daughter was in. His Abigail was dying and it was all Dr. Alexander’s fault.
“Are you okay?” Martin asked when he noticed his friend’s startled expression.
“Yeah…uh, yeah. I’m fine. Let’s grab a table.” The memory still haunted him from time to time and now with the good doctor mere feet away, he hadn’t been able to stop it. Why was that son of a bitch still happy and breathing?
“We’d better do it now; this place will be getting overrun in about a half-hour.”
The two men sat across from each other making sure to let anyone who may be watching know that they weren’t there together. A waiter in tight jeans and a painted-on t-shirt hurried over to them, his look of boredom quickly fading to be replaced by a genuine smile. “My name is Patrick. I’ll be grabbing your drinks tonight. What can I get for you?”
“I’ll have a beer,” JC murmured. “Whatever’s cold and in a bottle.”
“And you?” The waiter asked with an extra special smile to Martin. “What can I get you?”
“I’ll have the same…and hurry back, I’m really thirsty.”
The waiter winked at Martin and headed for the bar.
“Well it looks like at least one of us is going to get lucky tonight,” JC chuckled, his eyes periodically moving to the table across the room. Not that he was there specifically for a one night stand – he wanted to meet someone he could get to know. One night stands were not on his radar anymore.
Martin huffed and shrugged. “I’m here to get you laid, not myself…but if it happens, I won’t complain,” he chuckled. “And you seem to have set your sights on that amazing specimen of a man over at that other table.”
JC quickly brought his gaze back from across the room. “Him? No way in Hell!”
“Oh? Do you know him?”
“Yeah. Yeah, I do,” JC said softly. “He was the doctor who worked on Abigail in the ER.” And as Martin opened his mouth to speak, James put his hand up. “I know, I know, he didn’t kill Abigail. But you know what? It sure as hell feels that way when someone tells you that there is nothing more that they can do and that your four-year-old child will probably not make it through the night.”
“If you truly know that, then you should have nothing against him,” Martin said, matter-of-fact. “He’s hot, you’re hot. He’s gay, you’re gay. I don’t see the problem. Go over and reintroduce yourself.”
JC warred with the thoughts going through his head. A very small part of him knew that Martin was right, but he couldn’t… “Nah, I said some pretty nasty things the last time I saw him, besides last he knew Jenny and I were happily married. He thinks I’m straight.”
“If you ask me,” Martin said, tossing his head. “That gives you two even more to talk about. I’ve got a good feeling about this.”
“No,” JC snarled.
The bar quickly started to fill up just as Martin had said it would. Very attractive men were everywhere, and JC knew he could probably have his pick. But the moment he’d walked in and seen the doctor he’d lost interest in the whole evening. In two short days, it would be the eighth anniversary of his baby girl’s death.
Beer after beer, he sat and alternated between talking with Martin and looking over at the good doctor and his friends. Martin was right about one thing; Trevor Alexander was hot as hell! He hadn’t been in a position to notice that before. Even in his stuffy clothes, JC could see how taught and perfectly formed his body was. The way his muscles stretched his dress shirt was practically sinful. But he wasn’t interested in that particular sin.
NEW RELEASE: FINDING FORGIVENESS BY JJ ELLIS
Title: Finding Forgiveness
Series: Baby Boomer Love Story Book 1
Author: JJ Ellis
Cover Design: Jaimee Ellis
Available: October 17, 2017
Finding Forgiveness is the first book in a new series from romance author JJ Ellis. She explores second chances at mature ages where love can be just as deep and even more passionate. Nick and Anna are in their early fifties when their second chance comes calling whether they want it to or not.
A national tragedy destroyed his family.
An abusive relationship destroyed her self-esteem.
A rekindled love begins to heal two broken souls.
But will it be enough for Nick and Anna to find forgiveness?
Available in ebook at:
Available in paperback at:
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
JJ Ellis is first and foremost a mom to five kids, four girls and one boy, ranging in age from 6-22. After that, she is a physically limited wife, blogger and now an author. She holds a degree in Communication Studies (Public Relations) from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas but never thought she would choose writing as a career, especially at the age of 42. She once wanted to be a publicist in the entertainment industry, but never a writer. Then one day when she was in her mid-thirties she was going through what can only be described as an early 'midlife crisis' and ideas just started to come to her and she felt compelled to write them down. She finished her first book relatively quickly, but life got in the way and it took her eight years to revisit it and then publish her first novel. She can honestly say that now she is finally right where she wants to be.
JJ has been married to her college sweetheart (and romance novel hero) for twenty-one years and they reside in Casper, WY with their kids and one crazy mutt named Kreuger. She enjoys reading, writing, blogging, computing, and graphic design. She will try anything that will allow her creativity to be released.
AUTHOR LINKS
http://www.jjellis.com
https://www.facebook.com/writerjjellis
https://www.twitter.com/authorjj
http://authorjjellis.tumblr.com/
SNEAK PEEK: FINDING FORGIVENESS - A BABY BOOMER LOVE STORY BOOK 1
Hey everybody! Long time no see. I've been busy working on my career but not posting here. I hope to have a lot for you in 2018. Right now, I think I will manage one novel this year and I am so excited to bring it to you. It is another Baby Boomer Romance called Finding Forgiveness! Here is a sneak peek at the prologue. Enjoy!!!
June 21, 2005
I haven’t written in here at all over the last month. Life has become Hell on earth. On my birthday I received the best present ever, or at least that is what my mom says it will become.
With the afternoon PTA meeting at Lexi’s school canceled, I went home to grab a quick bite to eat before volunteering at the food bank. I heard a noise coming from the back of the house; moans and a high-pitched, muffled squealing coming from my bedroom. At that point, I knew what I would find so I grabbed my little digital camera from my purse and opened the door. Right there in front of me, my husband of twenty years was face fucking a blonde almost half his age. He was the one moaning and she was the one with the muffled squeal. I was the one who snapped a bunch of pictures, screamed and ran from the room. I had about ten good photos before they even knew I was there.
So, now I’m getting a divorce. We’re still in negotiations but it seems if my memories and the pictures I snapped stay hidden I will get to live in our house with the kids. I will also get to go back to nursing school full time, free of charge. And Georgie poo will live in a condo somewhere downtown. I'm pretty sure I can live with that. It's better than all the face fuckings that his girlfriend Heather now has to live with!
PROLOGUE
June 21, 2005
I haven’t written in here at all over the last month. Life has become Hell on earth. On my birthday I received the best present ever, or at least that is what my mom says it will become.
With the afternoon PTA meeting at Lexi’s school canceled, I went home to grab a quick bite to eat before volunteering at the food bank. I heard a noise coming from the back of the house; moans and a high-pitched, muffled squealing coming from my bedroom. At that point, I knew what I would find so I grabbed my little digital camera from my purse and opened the door. Right there in front of me, my husband of twenty years was face fucking a blonde almost half his age. He was the one moaning and she was the one with the muffled squeal. I was the one who snapped a bunch of pictures, screamed and ran from the room. I had about ten good photos before they even knew I was there.
So, now I’m getting a divorce. We’re still in negotiations but it seems if my memories and the pictures I snapped stay hidden I will get to live in our house with the kids. I will also get to go back to nursing school full time, free of charge. And Georgie poo will live in a condo somewhere downtown. I'm pretty sure I can live with that. It's better than all the face fuckings that his girlfriend Heather now has to live with!
Stay tuned for the cover reveal on September 27th. Release date is still TBA but should be in October.
REVIEW OF "LANDSLIDE" BY NJ COLE
This is my first ever review on this blog. I think this is something I will try to do whenever possible. This first book is Landslide by NJ Cole. It is an erotic romance and although my post will be rated G, the book is not. The story contains elements that will not be suitable for all audiences (BDSM).
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I started out not knowing what to expect with this book. It was one I had liked the description of and put in my wishlist and I was definitely happy to be given a chance to read and review it. I must say that I didn't know whether to expect to just like the book or to love it. There are some elements in it that would not jive with my lifestyle but I love reading about so I didn't know where my emotions would lie when I finished it.
I absolutely love, love, love this novel. The story of forbidden love is sweet, hot and believable, which I find isn't always the case in forbidden love stories, and did I mention that it is hot! At first you are thinking that these two characters REALLY SHOULDN'T be together, but about 1/4 of the way into their first major scene together the chemistry just wins you over and you can literally feel them falling for each other.
~~~ Might contain a bit of a spoiler as to general aspects of the story (not specifics) read next part with caution~~~
NJ Cole has a talent for telling a great story with just the right amount of all of the important elements of a good romance/love/erotica story. The initial physical attraction, the aspect of 'is he or isn't he truly falling for her' and vice versa, the stumbles along the way, the realization that the relationship is so much more than expected. It's all in there and it is written and pulled together very well. Add in little twists and turns along the way and you have a great read. The fact that it is one of the hottest stories I've ever read doesn't hurt either. I highly recommend this for anyone who is looking for a great love story filled with eroitc, wonderful 'scenes'. I can't wait to read other books by this talented author.
You can find Landslide here http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EBYNSZU/ref=cm_cr_mts_prod_img
STORMY SEAS TEASER COLLAGE!!!!
Here it is, the collage I post right before a release. Each picture is an aspect of the story. See if you can pick them out when you read it
STORMY SEAS COLLAGE
PHOTO CREDITS:
dyet http://www.sxc.hu/photo/179177 Dog sledding
Sebadanon http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1191412 Waterpark
garytamin http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1394009 New York City
dmpop http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1234386 Writing
mmagallan http://www.sxc.hu/photo/592160 man holding knife
brunopp http://www.sxc.hu/photo/913230 kissing
http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1080946 woman in silhouette
http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1088202 Man in silhouette by Mattox
STORMY SEAS COLLAGE
PHOTO CREDITS:
dyet http://www.sxc.hu/photo/179177 Dog sledding
Sebadanon http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1191412 Waterpark
garytamin http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1394009 New York City
dmpop http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1234386 Writing
mmagallan http://www.sxc.hu/photo/592160 man holding knife
brunopp http://www.sxc.hu/photo/913230 kissing
http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1080946 woman in silhouette
http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1088202 Man in silhouette by Mattox
STORMY SEAS - EXCERPT CHAPTER 10
THIS WILL BE THE FINAL EXCERPT FROM THIS BOOK. LOOK FOR THE RELEASE OF STORMY SEAS ON AUGUST 24, 2013!!! WE ARE HAVING A GREAT PARTY OVER AT FACEBOOK. PLEASE JOIN US!!! https://www.facebook.com/events/1398844307000020/
They danced four songs wrapped in each other’s arms before deciding to find a table to rest at. Just as their drinks arrived, Jackson walked up. “Would I be interrupting something if I joined you?” he asked, his voice sounding somewhat melancholy.
“Sit down little brother.” Abigail invited. “I haven’t seen you in five years and even I know you were just not yourself. What’s going on?”
“Jackson sighed, “I can’t talk about it yet, but everyone will know soon. And no, I’m not sick or dying or anything bad like that.”
Abby breathed a sigh of relief. “Well that’s good to know. I hope everything else is okay.”
"It will be,” her brother answered with a smile. “Now what about you? Why did you lock yourself away from us for five years? We saw you for a half hour at the airport two years ago. You even stopped calling.”
“Jack don’t,” Sam warned. “She’ll tell you when she can.”
“It’s okay Sam,” I think I’m ready to try.”
“Good,” he smiled, taking her hand to offer reassurance.
“Okay Jack,” she started. “Have you heard of S.A. Mann, the crime thriller author?”
“Of course I have!” he enthused. “He’s one of my favorite author’s. I’ve read everything he’s written.”
Abby chuckled. “Well, he is actually me, and Sam.”
“Wow. Really?” My big sister is a famous author. How cool is that!”
Abigail cleared her throat. “Jack when you said you had read everything we’ve written did that include the eBook short stories?”
"Yeah, of course. I have every story and every book you guys have ever written on my e-reader. Why?”
“My Personal Horror,” was all she said. It didn’t take her brother long to fill in the blanks. Jack blinked a few times and swallowed hard before he looked up to catch her eye.
“I’m so sorry Abby. Please tell me some of the story was exaggerated for dramatic effect?”
“I can’t do that Jack,” she whispered grabbing his shaking hand with hers. That is exactly what happened to me, every last detail.”
"Oh God. I feel sick," Jackson squeezed her hand and took a few deep breaths. “I’m so sorry for everything I said, for every bad thought I had when you didn’t return my phone calls…”
“It’s okay Jack. It wasn’t your problem, it was mine. But I’m getting better now.” She sighed. “There is a bit more to the story though.”
**********
“Jesus Abby, I’m so sorry.”
“Don’t go there Sam, it’s not your fault.”
"I know, I just get so angry at that bastard sometimes.”
“Do you want to see the scars?” she whispered as she started to undress.
“Yes.”
“Sit down little brother.” Abigail invited. “I haven’t seen you in five years and even I know you were just not yourself. What’s going on?”
“Jackson sighed, “I can’t talk about it yet, but everyone will know soon. And no, I’m not sick or dying or anything bad like that.”
Abby breathed a sigh of relief. “Well that’s good to know. I hope everything else is okay.”
"It will be,” her brother answered with a smile. “Now what about you? Why did you lock yourself away from us for five years? We saw you for a half hour at the airport two years ago. You even stopped calling.”
“Jack don’t,” Sam warned. “She’ll tell you when she can.”
“It’s okay Sam,” I think I’m ready to try.”
“Good,” he smiled, taking her hand to offer reassurance.
“Okay Jack,” she started. “Have you heard of S.A. Mann, the crime thriller author?”
“Of course I have!” he enthused. “He’s one of my favorite author’s. I’ve read everything he’s written.”
Abby chuckled. “Well, he is actually me, and Sam.”
“Wow. Really?” My big sister is a famous author. How cool is that!”
Abigail cleared her throat. “Jack when you said you had read everything we’ve written did that include the eBook short stories?”
"Yeah, of course. I have every story and every book you guys have ever written on my e-reader. Why?”
“My Personal Horror,” was all she said. It didn’t take her brother long to fill in the blanks. Jack blinked a few times and swallowed hard before he looked up to catch her eye.
“I’m so sorry Abby. Please tell me some of the story was exaggerated for dramatic effect?”
“I can’t do that Jack,” she whispered grabbing his shaking hand with hers. That is exactly what happened to me, every last detail.”
"Oh God. I feel sick," Jackson squeezed her hand and took a few deep breaths. “I’m so sorry for everything I said, for every bad thought I had when you didn’t return my phone calls…”
“It’s okay Jack. It wasn’t your problem, it was mine. But I’m getting better now.” She sighed. “There is a bit more to the story though.”
**********
“Jesus Abby, I’m so sorry.”
“Don’t go there Sam, it’s not your fault.”
"I know, I just get so angry at that bastard sometimes.”
“Do you want to see the scars?” she whispered as she started to undress.
“Yes.”
“Right here,” she said turning her head and moving her hair aside.
Sam swallowed down his anger and turned his attention to the scars that Abby pointed out, raining gentle caressing kisses on every one of them, over her entire body.
“These are no longer places where you have trauma scars, but places where you've been thoroughly loved,” he whispered as he kissed the last scar behind her other ear.
Sam swallowed down his anger and turned his attention to the scars that Abby pointed out, raining gentle caressing kisses on every one of them, over her entire body.
“These are no longer places where you have trauma scars, but places where you've been thoroughly loved,” he whispered as he kissed the last scar behind her other ear.
“Samuel West,” she murmured with tears in her eyes. “You are the best thing that has ever happened to me and I love you more with every breath I take.”
“I could say the same Abigail,” he smiled, just before he captured her mouth in a kiss.
VIDEO TRAILER FOR STORMY SEAS!!!
Here is the book trailer for Stormy Seas. I hope you enjoy it and get a sense of how great the book is going to be! Enjoy. And don't forget to leave comments to let me know what you think!
STORMY SEAS EXCERPT - CHAPTER 9
“Hey, you okay?” Sam asked, noticing the serious look on her face.
She smiled ”Yeah, I think things are going to be perfect now.”
“Mmm, I’m glad,” he said, kissing her. “Now go take a shower, lunch is in an hour and I have some phone calls to make myself.”
“By the way, don’t change yet,” she called as she shut herself in the bathroom. Sam looked down at the towel wrapped round his hips and smiled.
Abigail hurried through her shower and came out of the bathroom, wrapped in a towel. She was carrying a brush. “Oh my God! My hair is so knotted from the wind, how are you with a brush?”
“I’m actually pretty handy, at least according to my cousin Sonja,” he laughed. “Come over here and sit down.”
“Abby sat on the loveseat next to Sam and handed him the brush. She sighed as he gently started to work the knots out. “I should probably get it cut now that I’m wearing it down.”
“That might be an idea. You can have a fresh new look.”
“Or I could just have you brush my hair for me,” she whispered. “This feels so good.”
Sam swept her hair to the side and kissed her neck. “That’s an idea too” he whispered back.”
“Sam, could you…” she sighed.
“What Abby, what do you want me to do?” he asked turning her to face him. “I need to hear the words Bibi, so I know it's without a doubt what you want.”
Abigail felt warm breath on her neck and fought down the panic that rose in her throat.
“It’s just me Abby,” Sam whispered, pulling her close. He felt her let out a shaky breath. “I’m sorry I scared you.”
“It’s okay, I’m just not used to waking up with a naked man breathing down my neck,” she laughed.
“Well turn around and I’ll breathe down your front,” he offered. “And anything else you might want me to do.”
She rolled over in his arms and looked into his eyes.
He kissed her on the tip of her nose. “I could get used to waking up next to you.”
“I hope you do,” she whispered.
“So you're okay?” he asked, running his hand along her side and over her hip.
“I’m better than okay Sam, I feel so alive!” she enthused. “What we did last night was incredible. I won’t regret it for even a moment.
“I love you Abigail, so much.”
“I love you too Sam, now kiss me and let's do it all over again.”
She smiled ”Yeah, I think things are going to be perfect now.”
“Mmm, I’m glad,” he said, kissing her. “Now go take a shower, lunch is in an hour and I have some phone calls to make myself.”
“By the way, don’t change yet,” she called as she shut herself in the bathroom. Sam looked down at the towel wrapped round his hips and smiled.
Abigail hurried through her shower and came out of the bathroom, wrapped in a towel. She was carrying a brush. “Oh my God! My hair is so knotted from the wind, how are you with a brush?”
“I’m actually pretty handy, at least according to my cousin Sonja,” he laughed. “Come over here and sit down.”
“Abby sat on the loveseat next to Sam and handed him the brush. She sighed as he gently started to work the knots out. “I should probably get it cut now that I’m wearing it down.”
“That might be an idea. You can have a fresh new look.”
“Or I could just have you brush my hair for me,” she whispered. “This feels so good.”
Sam swept her hair to the side and kissed her neck. “That’s an idea too” he whispered back.”
“Sam, could you…” she sighed.
“What Abby, what do you want me to do?” he asked turning her to face him. “I need to hear the words Bibi, so I know it's without a doubt what you want.”
**********
Abigail felt warm breath on her neck and fought down the panic that rose in her throat.
“It’s just me Abby,” Sam whispered, pulling her close. He felt her let out a shaky breath. “I’m sorry I scared you.”
“It’s okay, I’m just not used to waking up with a naked man breathing down my neck,” she laughed.
“Well turn around and I’ll breathe down your front,” he offered. “And anything else you might want me to do.”
She rolled over in his arms and looked into his eyes.
He kissed her on the tip of her nose. “I could get used to waking up next to you.”
“I hope you do,” she whispered.
“So you're okay?” he asked, running his hand along her side and over her hip.
“I’m better than okay Sam, I feel so alive!” she enthused. “What we did last night was incredible. I won’t regret it for even a moment.
“I love you Abigail, so much.”
“I love you too Sam, now kiss me and let's do it all over again.”
STORMY SEAS - EXCERPT CHAPTER 8
Dressed in only the pair of shorts he'd been sleeping in, Sam sat on his bed reading through a paper copy of chapter twelve while Abigail typed away for over half an hour.
“You want to help me fix this up now?” she asked. She'd also changed into her shorts and tank top.
“Sure, let me have it,” he said reaching for the computer.
“It’s dying, you'll have to come over here by the plug.”
Sam sat up and pushed himself up off his bed. “I'll be right back,” he groaned, heading into the bathroom. He went in there more to compose himself than to use the facilities because he knew what kind of scene she'd been writing. She always got nervous and bounced her foot when she wrote a sex scene, and the thought of proofing it, sitting all squished up against her on that tiny twin bed, made it hard to breathe. Then he had an idea. “Hey Bibi, get up for a second,” he called from the bathroom.
“Why?"
“I’m going to push the beds together until bed time. Give us more room to work.” He could stay on his own side and still reach the laptop, and maybe he could make it through the rest of the night.
Sam leaned back against the wall to the right of the window and Abby was sitting cross legged on her side of the now large bed.
“Okay, let me read it,” he offered, reaching for the computer again. Abby handed it over and he started to read. She'd seamlessly added ten pages and he was right, it was the hottest sex scene he'd ever read.
“Wow, Bibi that adds a whole new dimension to the story. It’s perfect. There is only one small thing I would change.”
“Okay, what?” She asked moving up to the head of the bed to sit next to him.
His voice actually shook as he pointed out the small change he wanted to make. Having her so close made him want to take her in his arms and replay the scene she’d written. But that would definitely be too much too soon.
Abby took the laptop and made the changes. “Now, it’s perfect."
“I agree!” Sam enthused.
“I was afraid it would be too much,” she whispered. “It borders on erotica.”
"Yeah but it’s not quite there so it’s perfect for our book.”
Abigail chuckled and leaned her head on Sam’s shoulder. “Too bad they both die a horrible death two pages into the next chapter.”
“You are so cruel, killing off a young couple who have just had the best sex of their lives, and to top it off you made me leave dinner the other night because I joked about borrowing your underwear. Such cruelty!"
Abigail laughed. “I'm so sorry,” she gasped, trying to catch her breath. She turned to look at Sam. “I was such a bitch that night.”
“You were,” Sam agreed staring into her eyes. “But everyone gets to be once in awhile.”
“I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay Abby.” Sam wrapped his arms around her, squeezing just tight enough for her to feel safe and loved. “I won't hold it against you.” He shifted on the bed hoping like hell that she wouldn't move her elbow too much or she would know exactly how his body was reacting to her being so close.
Her hand moved from her stomach to rest on his thigh and her elbow gently brushed him. He let out a hissing, tortured sigh.
“Sam,” she pleaded, quickly turning her whole body to face him, settling onto her knees at his side.
“What is it Abby, are you okay?” he asked reaching out to caress her cheek. Before he could even register what was happening, she kissed him, pushing his body hard against the wall. He hesitated, but only for a moment before he returned the kiss.
“You want to help me fix this up now?” she asked. She'd also changed into her shorts and tank top.
“Sure, let me have it,” he said reaching for the computer.
“It’s dying, you'll have to come over here by the plug.”
Sam sat up and pushed himself up off his bed. “I'll be right back,” he groaned, heading into the bathroom. He went in there more to compose himself than to use the facilities because he knew what kind of scene she'd been writing. She always got nervous and bounced her foot when she wrote a sex scene, and the thought of proofing it, sitting all squished up against her on that tiny twin bed, made it hard to breathe. Then he had an idea. “Hey Bibi, get up for a second,” he called from the bathroom.
“Why?"
“I’m going to push the beds together until bed time. Give us more room to work.” He could stay on his own side and still reach the laptop, and maybe he could make it through the rest of the night.
Sam leaned back against the wall to the right of the window and Abby was sitting cross legged on her side of the now large bed.
“Okay, let me read it,” he offered, reaching for the computer again. Abby handed it over and he started to read. She'd seamlessly added ten pages and he was right, it was the hottest sex scene he'd ever read.
“Wow, Bibi that adds a whole new dimension to the story. It’s perfect. There is only one small thing I would change.”
“Okay, what?” She asked moving up to the head of the bed to sit next to him.
His voice actually shook as he pointed out the small change he wanted to make. Having her so close made him want to take her in his arms and replay the scene she’d written. But that would definitely be too much too soon.
Abby took the laptop and made the changes. “Now, it’s perfect."
“I agree!” Sam enthused.
“I was afraid it would be too much,” she whispered. “It borders on erotica.”
"Yeah but it’s not quite there so it’s perfect for our book.”
Abigail chuckled and leaned her head on Sam’s shoulder. “Too bad they both die a horrible death two pages into the next chapter.”
“You are so cruel, killing off a young couple who have just had the best sex of their lives, and to top it off you made me leave dinner the other night because I joked about borrowing your underwear. Such cruelty!"
Abigail laughed. “I'm so sorry,” she gasped, trying to catch her breath. She turned to look at Sam. “I was such a bitch that night.”
“You were,” Sam agreed staring into her eyes. “But everyone gets to be once in awhile.”
“I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay Abby.” Sam wrapped his arms around her, squeezing just tight enough for her to feel safe and loved. “I won't hold it against you.” He shifted on the bed hoping like hell that she wouldn't move her elbow too much or she would know exactly how his body was reacting to her being so close.
Her hand moved from her stomach to rest on his thigh and her elbow gently brushed him. He let out a hissing, tortured sigh.
“Sam,” she pleaded, quickly turning her whole body to face him, settling onto her knees at his side.
“What is it Abby, are you okay?” he asked reaching out to caress her cheek. Before he could even register what was happening, she kissed him, pushing his body hard against the wall. He hesitated, but only for a moment before he returned the kiss.
STORMY SEAS - EXCERPT CHAPTER 6
Thomas tugged on her braid the same way he had when they were younger. “You’re alive Abby, therefore you are the bravest woman I’ve ever known.”
“He’s right,” Sam agreed. “You stopped living your life Bibi, but you never once even contemplated not living anymore. That took courage.”
Abby’s focus zeroed in only on Sam and she smiled, tears shining in her eyes. “Because I always hoped that there was something worth living for. That someday I would be able to participate in life again.”
“He’s right,” Sam agreed. “You stopped living your life Bibi, but you never once even contemplated not living anymore. That took courage.”
Abby’s focus zeroed in only on Sam and she smiled, tears shining in her eyes. “Because I always hoped that there was something worth living for. That someday I would be able to participate in life again.”
Sam leaned forward momentarily resting his forehead on hers. “I know," he said softly. He pulled back, looking into her eyes. "Every single day of the last few years I did everything in my power to let you know that there is so much out there to live for. I needed you to live Abby, for you, and for me because I loved you. I thought I’d lost the battle, I thought you would be locked away inside yourself forever. And here you are, learning to live your life again. God Sweetheart, please don’t let what happened last night destroy that,” he begged softly.
“I’m so sorry Sam.” Abigail stopped speaking as tears clogged her voice.
A feeling of dread spread through every inch of him. She was about to tell him that she was sorry but she couldn't move past what she’d found out.
“Don’t look like that!" she reached out to gently touch his cheek. "I’m trying to say that I’m so sorry I ever doubted you. I love you and I owe you so much.” Her breath was shaky but sure as she continued. “Nothing matters except that I love you. What happened last night should never have been an issue. Please forgive me.”
“There’s nothing to forgive Bibi. We just move forward. Together.” He kissed her forehead, still determined to tread slowly, to let her adjust to the new things happening to them.
“I’m so sorry Sam.” Abigail stopped speaking as tears clogged her voice.
A feeling of dread spread through every inch of him. She was about to tell him that she was sorry but she couldn't move past what she’d found out.
“Don’t look like that!" she reached out to gently touch his cheek. "I’m trying to say that I’m so sorry I ever doubted you. I love you and I owe you so much.” Her breath was shaky but sure as she continued. “Nothing matters except that I love you. What happened last night should never have been an issue. Please forgive me.”
“There’s nothing to forgive Bibi. We just move forward. Together.” He kissed her forehead, still determined to tread slowly, to let her adjust to the new things happening to them.
STORMY SEAS - EXCERPT CHAPTER 5
Abigail wasn't sure if she was ready to see Sam yet but she didn’t really want to eat or work alone so she headed down the hall to their cabin. When she came to a set of elevators she decided to head up to deck five to get some fresh air instead. As she stepped onto the car she, literally, ran into Thomas as he was moving closer to the control panel.
“Hi Tommy,” she smiled, her lips barely turning up at the edges.
“Hey Abby, how are you?”
“I could be better,” she answered.
“I know,” he admitted, "I saw Sam last night.”
Abigail sighed. “So you know everything?”
“Yep, every last bit.”
“Oh Tommy, I just don't know what to do. I love him, but I have no clue if I can overlook his role in this.”
“Hi Tommy,” she smiled, her lips barely turning up at the edges.
“Hey Abby, how are you?”
“I could be better,” she answered.
“I know,” he admitted, "I saw Sam last night.”
Abigail sighed. “So you know everything?”
“Yep, every last bit.”
“Oh Tommy, I just don't know what to do. I love him, but I have no clue if I can overlook his role in this.”
“He didn’t have a role in it Abigail,” he stressed as he ushered her off the elevator at deck five.
~~~~~~~~~
Thomas slowly pulled her close for a quick hug. “I need to tell you something about Sam, something that might help with how you think of him.”
“You just met him, what can you know about him?” Abby was incredulous.
“I know that his dad was a bastard, and I also know that the only man in his life growing up was the most decent, kind, gracious human being that ever walked the earth.” Thomas sighed and grabbed both of her hands in his. “Abby, his uncle Burton was my Gunnery Sergeant, the one I went to hell and back with. And I trusted him with my life. I guarantee the man Sam is today is the same kind of man his uncle was.”
“The one who died?” she asked quietly. “I remember when it happened. Sam was devastated.”
“He was a great man Abby and so is Sam. Give him a chance." Thomas kissed her cheek and walked away.
“I know that his dad was a bastard, and I also know that the only man in his life growing up was the most decent, kind, gracious human being that ever walked the earth.” Thomas sighed and grabbed both of her hands in his. “Abby, his uncle Burton was my Gunnery Sergeant, the one I went to hell and back with. And I trusted him with my life. I guarantee the man Sam is today is the same kind of man his uncle was.”
“The one who died?” she asked quietly. “I remember when it happened. Sam was devastated.”
“He was a great man Abby and so is Sam. Give him a chance." Thomas kissed her cheek and walked away.
ALASKAN AMBUSH - EXCERPT CHAPTER 4
Olivia walked around his living room looking at some of his Alaskan trinkets. They were so rustic, so charming. There was that word again, charming, she decided she liked it.
On display, front and center, on the shelf above his television was the large crystal bear she'd given him on the anniversary of their first date. She knew he had hated it, because it was too material, too expensive for his taste. He never said anything though, he'd just accepted it and put it in the closet, probably because he was afraid that it would break.
It hadn’t exactly gone with the décor in his apartment and it really didn’t go here in this little house either, so why was it displayed? Her heart pounded and her hands were shaking. Did this mean he missed her, did he still think about her? Could Pearl have been right?
She picked it up off the shelf and walked into the kitchen. “Alex, why did you keep this, and why do you have it on your shelf?”
He put down the knife he held, and turned toward her.
She smiled tentatively at him, waiting for his answer.
After a moment, he walked over to her and took the statue out of her hands, setting it gently on the counter. “Because I missed you,” he whispered right before he pulled her close and finally kissed her.
DON'T FORGET TO VISIT MY BUY PAGE AT THE TOP OR CLICK ON THE FIRST LINK IN THE LEFT HAND COLUMN TO GET YOUR COPY OF VIRGIN VOYAGE OR ALASKAN AMBUSH TODAY!!!
STORMY SEAS - EXCERPT CHAPTER 1
Abigail Mannon was putting her seldom used cosmetic bag into her suitcase when she heard the doorbell. She smiled, that would be Sam West, her personal assistant and probably her best friend in the whole world. She couldn't afford to think of him as her crush or the man she was falling in love with.
Her entire family, mom Charlotte, dad Ethan and siblings Mari, Olivia, Jackson and Vanessa were taking an Alaskan cruise vacation, but she had insisted that Sam be able to come too. They had a lot of work to do and a deadline to reach and leaving him behind was just not an option. In the end, her mother had not argued, probably because she hadn't seen her siblings or her father in five years. They must be desperate to see her again to allow a stranger to come along on their family reunion vacation.
She wheeled her suitcase and carry-on out to the living room and walked tentatively to the front door. Taking a deep breath, she looked through the peephole and let the breath out in a whoosh when she saw Sam’s smiling face looking back at her. Her heart did a little flip flop, just as it did every other time she saw him. Samuel Oliver West was probably the most gorgeous man to walk the earth. With tousled blond hair, arresting blue eyes and the body of an athlete, Abigail never failed to notice how he affected women, especially herself.
The complicated seven lock security system seemed to momentarily stump her as her fingers fumbled with the gadgets. Sam sometimes affected her that way, but she finally undid the final lock and opened the heavy door to him. “Come on in, where are your suitcases, you didn't leave them in the cab did you?"
Kissing her cheek, Sam noticed that she stiffened up just a little bit. At least she didn't outright flinch like she used to. They were obviously making progress, but for what, he wasn't quite sure yet.
" No Bibi, I’m going to have to catch a later flight, I have some family business to take care of."
Abigail looked crestfallen.
“Don't worry Abby, I won't miss the boat. I should get there about an hour after you do.”
Abigail sighed. “Okay, but if you do miss this cruise I’ll fire you.”
Sam smiled that devastating smile that made her breathless. “I’ll see you in Vancouver later today, Bibi. I can't wait!"
Her entire family, mom Charlotte, dad Ethan and siblings Mari, Olivia, Jackson and Vanessa were taking an Alaskan cruise vacation, but she had insisted that Sam be able to come too. They had a lot of work to do and a deadline to reach and leaving him behind was just not an option. In the end, her mother had not argued, probably because she hadn't seen her siblings or her father in five years. They must be desperate to see her again to allow a stranger to come along on their family reunion vacation.
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| http://www.sxc.hu/photo/905597 New York City |
She wheeled her suitcase and carry-on out to the living room and walked tentatively to the front door. Taking a deep breath, she looked through the peephole and let the breath out in a whoosh when she saw Sam’s smiling face looking back at her. Her heart did a little flip flop, just as it did every other time she saw him. Samuel Oliver West was probably the most gorgeous man to walk the earth. With tousled blond hair, arresting blue eyes and the body of an athlete, Abigail never failed to notice how he affected women, especially herself.
The complicated seven lock security system seemed to momentarily stump her as her fingers fumbled with the gadgets. Sam sometimes affected her that way, but she finally undid the final lock and opened the heavy door to him. “Come on in, where are your suitcases, you didn't leave them in the cab did you?"
Kissing her cheek, Sam noticed that she stiffened up just a little bit. At least she didn't outright flinch like she used to. They were obviously making progress, but for what, he wasn't quite sure yet.
" No Bibi, I’m going to have to catch a later flight, I have some family business to take care of."
Abigail looked crestfallen.
“Don't worry Abby, I won't miss the boat. I should get there about an hour after you do.”
Abigail sighed. “Okay, but if you do miss this cruise I’ll fire you.”
Sam smiled that devastating smile that made her breathless. “I’ll see you in Vancouver later today, Bibi. I can't wait!"
DON'T FORGET TO VISIT MY BUY PAGE AT THE TOP OR CLICK ON THE FIRST LINK IN THE LEFT HAND COLUMN TO GET YOUR COPY OF VIRGIN VOYAGE OR ALASKAN AMBUSH TODAY!!!
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