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Showing posts with label Romance Novel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Romance Novel. Show all posts
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 7
Soon after the near fight, the train headed back down the mountain and Sam and Abigail got up to walk around the car, visiting with various family members.
“Sam how are you enjoying the cruise?” Ethan asked while Charlotte hugged her daughter.
“I’m having a great time sir. Thank you for having me.”
“Have you guys been getting a lot of work done?” Charlotte interrupted, looking at both of them.
“We have,” Abigail assured her.
“Since when do publishing companies pay their marketing execs to partake in hanky panky?” they heard Jackson ask as he walked up behind them. Abigail felt his hand on her shoulder and swung her elbow back, landing square in his stomach. “Asshole,” she murmured.
“Damn Abby,” Jackson said, coughing a bit. “Since when can’t you of all people take a joke?”
Abigail turned to her brother. “Since you stopped being funny.” She threw him a dirty look and walked away.
“Hey, I’m still funny,” he called after them.
“Butt hurt isn’t attractive on you baby brother.” Abigail called back.
Sam stopped her mid stride. “So I take it, his joking didn’t always bother you?”
Abigail sighed. “No, it didn’t. I actually love his warped sense of humor, but I haven’t been exposed to it for so long and so much has changed. I, I probably shouldn’t be so hard on him huh?”
“Yeah, you should probably lighten up just a little,” Sam agreed. He pulled her close for a hug. “It’s okay Abby, you’ll get back into the swing of things.”
"For the first time ever, I actually believe that,” she smiled pulling out of the embrace. “Thanks to you.”
“Sam how are you enjoying the cruise?” Ethan asked while Charlotte hugged her daughter.
“I’m having a great time sir. Thank you for having me.”
“Have you guys been getting a lot of work done?” Charlotte interrupted, looking at both of them.
“We have,” Abigail assured her.
“Since when do publishing companies pay their marketing execs to partake in hanky panky?” they heard Jackson ask as he walked up behind them. Abigail felt his hand on her shoulder and swung her elbow back, landing square in his stomach. “Asshole,” she murmured.
“Damn Abby,” Jackson said, coughing a bit. “Since when can’t you of all people take a joke?”
Abigail turned to her brother. “Since you stopped being funny.” She threw him a dirty look and walked away.
“Hey, I’m still funny,” he called after them.
“Butt hurt isn’t attractive on you baby brother.” Abigail called back.
Sam stopped her mid stride. “So I take it, his joking didn’t always bother you?”
Abigail sighed. “No, it didn’t. I actually love his warped sense of humor, but I haven’t been exposed to it for so long and so much has changed. I, I probably shouldn’t be so hard on him huh?”
“Yeah, you should probably lighten up just a little,” Sam agreed. He pulled her close for a hug. “It’s okay Abby, you’ll get back into the swing of things.”
"For the first time ever, I actually believe that,” she smiled pulling out of the embrace. “Thanks to you.”
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.
STORMY SEAS - EXCERPT CHAPTER FOUR
"Whoa! Wait just a minute Abby,” he yelled, grabbing her arm and pulling her back. “What the hell is wrong with you tonight!”
She slammed into his chest and he saw fear in her eyes. At that moment he didn’t care, it was past time she faced her fears. His lips crushed hers in a kiss and his tongue battled to get inside to explore.
Over the next couple of minutes Sam felt like the world was moving in slow motion. Abigail’s body froze and she started shaking. She brought her arms up between them and pushed as hard as she could. He went flying backward and when he recovered his balance, Abby was backed up into the far corner of her bed.
“Leave me alone!” she screamed over and over as Sam rushed to sit at her side.
She slammed into his chest and he saw fear in her eyes. At that moment he didn’t care, it was past time she faced her fears. His lips crushed hers in a kiss and his tongue battled to get inside to explore.
Over the next couple of minutes Sam felt like the world was moving in slow motion. Abigail’s body froze and she started shaking. She brought her arms up between them and pushed as hard as she could. He went flying backward and when he recovered his balance, Abby was backed up into the far corner of her bed.
“Leave me alone!” she screamed over and over as Sam rushed to sit at her side.
“Bibi, it’s me, it’s Sam.”
“Go away, don’t hurt me,” she whispered desperately.
“Go away, don’t hurt me,” she whispered desperately.
“I would never hurt you. You're my best friend Abby.”
“Sam?” she murmured, her eyes finally focusing on him.
“Yeah Bibi, it’s me. Are you okay?”
“Yeah, it’s just…” She looked away, covering her eyes with her shaking hands.
“What the hell happened to make you like this?”
“Nothing!” she yelled.
“I know something happened to you shortly before my internship started Abby. Please talk to me.”
Her breath came in large heaving gasps. “I can’t. Not you Sam,” she whispered between sobs.
“Why not me Abby. We're so close and you know you can trust me,” he assured her.
“But I've fallen in love with you Sam, so there is no way I can.”
“I'm in love with you too Abby, and that’s the best reason to talk to me.”
“No!” she cried.
“Damn it Abigail Christine Mannon." he growled through gritted teeth. "You need to tell me what’s going on. I don’t like being in the dark. I don’t like seeing you hurting and I don’t like being so scared all the damn time.”
“You won’t love me anymore if I tell you,” she muttered, looking him in the eyes.
“I will love you Bibi. Nothing could change the feelings that have been building over the last four and a half years.”
“Sam?” she murmured, her eyes finally focusing on him.
“Yeah Bibi, it’s me. Are you okay?”
“Yeah, it’s just…” She looked away, covering her eyes with her shaking hands.
“What the hell happened to make you like this?”
“Nothing!” she yelled.
“I know something happened to you shortly before my internship started Abby. Please talk to me.”
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| http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1080946 |
“Why not me Abby. We're so close and you know you can trust me,” he assured her.
“But I've fallen in love with you Sam, so there is no way I can.”
“I'm in love with you too Abby, and that’s the best reason to talk to me.”
“No!” she cried.
“Damn it Abigail Christine Mannon." he growled through gritted teeth. "You need to tell me what’s going on. I don’t like being in the dark. I don’t like seeing you hurting and I don’t like being so scared all the damn time.”
“You won’t love me anymore if I tell you,” she muttered, looking him in the eyes.
“I will love you Bibi. Nothing could change the feelings that have been building over the last four and a half years.”
“Just drop it Sam. I can’t and I won’t!” she cried, looking away from him.
“You can and you will. We'll sit here all night until you talk to me.” He finally knew that this was exactly what Thomas had been talking about earlier and he wasn't backing down. She needed to talk and he needed to listen if they were to have a future together.
Abigail was quiet for a long time and Sam was looking away from her when she broke the silence.
“You can and you will. We'll sit here all night until you talk to me.” He finally knew that this was exactly what Thomas had been talking about earlier and he wasn't backing down. She needed to talk and he needed to listen if they were to have a future together.
Abigail was quiet for a long time and Sam was looking away from her when she broke the silence.
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STORMY SEAS - EXCERPT CHAPTER 3
Sam and Abigail, each in a different bed, woke to her seven o'clock alarm. She rushed to the bathroom to change, but not before he noticed her green eyes starting to sparkle with the promise of a new day. He somehow doubted that happened much with her. He also noticed how her long hair was tousled and sexy as hell first thing in the morning. His insides clenched at the thought of slowly running his hands through the wild mass.
“Your turn,” she commented, coming out of the bathroom fully dressed in a pair of jeans and a purple sweatshirt that hung off her body like a small tent.
“Thanks,” he replied, wishing like hell that she'd stayed in the tank top she wore to bed, only maybe shrinking it a size or two. Of course he had assessed her body the previous night because he'd never seen so much of it before. The one thing he knew for sure was that he loved the flawless pale skin that he now knew was the same on her supple thighs and shapely calves as it was on her perfect, beautiful face.
By the time he returned from performing his morning routine, Abby had her gorgeous wavy locks rolled up tight into her usual bun. “Come on Bibi,” he coaxed. “We're on vacation, you can let your hair down a bit.”
“It’s a working vacation,” she reminded him, “and I like my hair like this.”
“Come on, for me. Just this once, let it down and see how you like it,” he begged.
“Sam don’t," she muttered. "I can’t, I’m sorry,”
“Sometime this cruise Bibi, I'll get you to wear it down.”
“Yeah, every night when I go to bed,” she muttered.
“I never knew you were such a smart ass. I like it! Must be your family’s influence. I'll have to thank them.”
“Don't you dare!” she exclaimed, smacking his arm
“Aww why not?”
“Because they will never let me live it down,” she said punctuating each word with a playful
poke to his abdomen.
Sam loved seeing her being so playful. He liked a playful Abby. A lot. How he was going to keep his hands to himself this entire trip was beyond him.
Abigail actually smiled at him before unwinding her hair and relaxing the bun to rest at the back of her neck instead of up high on her head. A few teasing tendrils fell out and hung down at the sides. “Is that better?” she asked.
“It’s a start,” he relented. “Now let’s go to breakfast.” He didn’t finish the rest of his sentence ‘before I wrap those tendrils of your gorgeous hair around my fingers and kiss you senseless’.
“Your turn,” she commented, coming out of the bathroom fully dressed in a pair of jeans and a purple sweatshirt that hung off her body like a small tent.
“Thanks,” he replied, wishing like hell that she'd stayed in the tank top she wore to bed, only maybe shrinking it a size or two. Of course he had assessed her body the previous night because he'd never seen so much of it before. The one thing he knew for sure was that he loved the flawless pale skin that he now knew was the same on her supple thighs and shapely calves as it was on her perfect, beautiful face.
By the time he returned from performing his morning routine, Abby had her gorgeous wavy locks rolled up tight into her usual bun. “Come on Bibi,” he coaxed. “We're on vacation, you can let your hair down a bit.”
“Come on, for me. Just this once, let it down and see how you like it,” he begged.
“Sam don’t," she muttered. "I can’t, I’m sorry,”
“Sometime this cruise Bibi, I'll get you to wear it down.”
“Yeah, every night when I go to bed,” she muttered.
“I never knew you were such a smart ass. I like it! Must be your family’s influence. I'll have to thank them.”
“Don't you dare!” she exclaimed, smacking his arm
“Aww why not?”
“Because they will never let me live it down,” she said punctuating each word with a playful
Sam loved seeing her being so playful. He liked a playful Abby. A lot. How he was going to keep his hands to himself this entire trip was beyond him.
Abigail actually smiled at him before unwinding her hair and relaxing the bun to rest at the back of her neck instead of up high on her head. A few teasing tendrils fell out and hung down at the sides. “Is that better?” she asked.
“It’s a start,” he relented. “Now let’s go to breakfast.” He didn’t finish the rest of his sentence ‘before I wrap those tendrils of your gorgeous hair around my fingers and kiss you senseless’.
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STORMY SEAS - EXCERPT CHAPTER 2
“It’s just easier Jackass hole,” she answered. “And it looks professional.”
“It looks uptight and boring Abby,” Jackson whispered in her ear right before he lovingly kissed her cheek. "I missed you."
She shot him a smile then started looking for Sam again. The minute he walked into view her heart started thudding and she felt her face flush with heat.
“That must be the famous assistant, Sam.” Thomas claimed elbowing his best friend.
Jackson looked from Abby to Thomas and then over to the handsome six foot one inch tall blond man walking toward them. “Do you have a thing for your assistant Abby?” He sounded like a mischievous child, which almost always meant trouble.
“Thomas answered for her when she seemed to ignore her brother. “She does my friend, and from what I understand, he's a younger man. Your sister’s a cougar!”
“I hear you guys,” she warned “and you'd better shut up before he gets close or it will be wet willies all around.” Memories of her favorite past time when they were kids came rushing back and she smiled. Any way she could find to torture her annoying little brother and his equally annoying best friend had been a favorite activity.
“I told you I would make it Bibi,” Sam said, giving her a hug. “So now you'll have to find a different excuse to fire me.”
Abigail smiled and returned his hug. “Your job is safe,” she claimed. “For now!”
“Hey mom and dad,” she called to them. “I want you to meet Sam.”
The older couple turned around and welcomed him warmly to their family vacation. Abigail couldn't help but have the thought that the poor sucker didn’t know what he was getting himself into.
“And this,” Abigail declared reluctantly “Is my little brother, Jackson and my honorary little brother, Thomas.”
Both men took turns shaking Sam’s hand.
“It’s great to meet you both, Abby’s told me so much about you,” Sam offered.
“Uh oh, she’s told you about us?” Thomas groaned.
“That can’t be good,” Jackson stated. “Don’t believe half of what she said.”
“Yeah, the good half,” Thomas joked.
“What good half?” Sam deadpanned. Everyone, including Abigail laughed. That wasn't usual for her and Sam had to keep himself from staring.
“It’s great to meet you both, Abby’s told me so much about you,” Sam offered.
“Uh oh, she’s told you about us?” Thomas groaned.
“That can’t be good,” Jackson stated. “Don’t believe half of what she said.”
“Yeah, the good half,” Thomas joked.
“What good half?” Sam deadpanned. Everyone, including Abigail laughed. That wasn't usual for her and Sam had to keep himself from staring.
“So you’re just her assistant right?” Jackson asked in his big brother voice.
“Or does she give you wet willies and wedgies like she used to give us?” Thomas asked.
Abigail felt a deep blush creep up her face. “Oh my God you guys, will you just shut the hell up!”
They didn’t’ have much choice as everyone was asked to quiet down and pay attention. Abigail breathed a silent sigh of relief.
When there was a break in the evacuation informational lecture, Sam leaned over and whispered in her ear. “Why did I not know we were sharing a cabin?”
“What!” she cried just a bit too loudly?
“Your carry-on was in my cabin when I dropped mine off,” he whispered. “I thought I was sharing with your brother and Thomas.”
“So did I,” she bit out between clenched teeth. “And I thought I was sharing with my sister Mari.”
Abigail was not happy. There was no way she could share a room with Sam. Her hands wouldn't stop shaking and she had an almost overwhelming urge to flee over the side of the ship. If the drill didn’t end soon, she just might do that.
“Or does she give you wet willies and wedgies like she used to give us?” Thomas asked.
Abigail felt a deep blush creep up her face. “Oh my God you guys, will you just shut the hell up!”
They didn’t’ have much choice as everyone was asked to quiet down and pay attention. Abigail breathed a silent sigh of relief.
When there was a break in the evacuation informational lecture, Sam leaned over and whispered in her ear. “Why did I not know we were sharing a cabin?”
“What!” she cried just a bit too loudly?
“Your carry-on was in my cabin when I dropped mine off,” he whispered. “I thought I was sharing with your brother and Thomas.”
“So did I,” she bit out between clenched teeth. “And I thought I was sharing with my sister Mari.”
Abigail was not happy. There was no way she could share a room with Sam. Her hands wouldn't stop shaking and she had an almost overwhelming urge to flee over the side of the ship. If the drill didn’t end soon, she just might do that.
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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!"
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ALASKAN AMBUSH FREE
Alaskan Ambush is free for a limited time until Midnight June 25 to celebrate my 19th wedding anniversary! Starting June 26 I am reducing Virgin Voyage to .99 for a limited time so you can get them both for a great price! Don't forget to leave a review!
Thanks
JJ Ellis
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ABAGAIL AND SAM
I would like to introduce you to the characters in the next book of the Sunset Destiny Romance Series. This story has so much joy and sadness and hardship and redemption and love. I can not wait to delve in and come out a better person. I know I will shed a few tears too :)
BOOK TITLE: Stormy Seas - A Sunset Destiny Romance - Book 3
MAIN FEMALE CHARACTER -
MAIN MALE CHARACTER -
Something happens when they board the ship that brings them in closer contact than they have ever been before. Abby is scared and Sam is thrilled. Sam takes a huge risk and approaches her. Will Abigail let him into her battered heart or will the friendship and partnership they slowly built fall apart forever.
This is how I imagine my characters looking
Abigail
CLICK HERE TO SEE ABIGAIL AND SAM
BOOK TITLE: Stormy Seas - A Sunset Destiny Romance - Book 3
MAIN FEMALE CHARACTER -
- Abigail Mannon
- Red hair, green eyes, just under 6 feet tall (Statuesque)
- 28 years old
- Has a tragic event in her past that only her mother and father know about. Doesn't want anyone else to know about it but slowly starts to let people in.
- Works at a Publishing Company in New York, NY
- ALWAYS wears her hair pulled up in a tight bun
- Concentrates on work rather than on a personal life because she gave up on the human race after the tragic event.
- Has to go on family vacation even though she doesn't want to. Invites her personal assistant so they can work because she doesn't plan on having any fun.
- Harbours a secret love for her assistant.
- Has a professional secret that only her personal assistant knows about
MAIN MALE CHARACTER -
- Samuel West (Sam)
- Blonde hair, blue eyes, 6'1" tall, Athletic looking
- 24 years old (The younger man!)
- Works as Abigail's personal assistant at the Publishing Company in New York, NY
- Has feelings for Abigail, and wants to get her to enjoy life again. But he's afraid of doing the wrong thing and making her go farther into her shell.
- Agreed to go on Abigail's family vacation in hopes of getting her to finally loosen up and have fun. He wants to see if he is correct in believing she has feelings for him too.
- Has a professional secret that only Abigail knows about.
- Has a connection to Abigails past that even he doesn't know about
Something happens when they board the ship that brings them in closer contact than they have ever been before. Abby is scared and Sam is thrilled. Sam takes a huge risk and approaches her. Will Abigail let him into her battered heart or will the friendship and partnership they slowly built fall apart forever.
This is how I imagine my characters looking
Abigail
CLICK HERE TO SEE ABIGAIL AND SAM
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NEW AD
I have been plastering this all over the internet and my sales have increased so I think it might be good that I created it. Originally I made it just for fun but I have had positive responses so I think I will continue to use it as my main ad. What do you think???? Let me know in the comments or at my email
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REVIEWS - THE KEY TO SUCCESS???
So, who here agrees with me that you need reviews to succeed as a self published author? I have had six wonderful reviews for my first novel - Virgin Voyage. Unfortunately that isn't quite enough ;) So, what should I do about that. I have absolutely no money so I can't buy kindle copies or paperback copies to give out to people so they can review them for me like other financially able authors can. I do have PDF copies but I'm not sure where all you can review them without having bought them at the store you are reviewing at. (Blogs, goodreads etc.) So here is my plan, I have 10 copies (for now) that I am willing to give out to anyone who wants to read a sweet and spicy romance (5 of each title). If you are interested please let me know via email. Here is my amazon author page link so you can check out my stuff.
If you have any questions or suggestions, please let me know! I hope to be ready to fly with the pdf copies by this time next week.
Like me on facebook here
Follow me on twitter here
Visit my mommy blog here
If you have any questions or suggestions, please let me know! I hope to be ready to fly with the pdf copies by this time next week.
Like me on facebook here
Follow me on twitter here
Visit my mommy blog here
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!!!
SPECIAL EXCERPT - BOOK RELEASE PARTY FOR ALASKAN AMBUSH!!!
“I love you, and more than anything in this world I want you to come to Ketchikan to be with me. Forever. But if that isn’t going to happen, I just want you to know that this has been the absolute best week of my life. Last night will by no means last me a lifetime, but I will never forget one minute of anything we had this time around.” Alex sighed and stroked the side of her face. “I hope it will be the same for you.”
Olivia smiled at him. “I won't forget anything either Alex, I promise.”
He kissed her and found himself having trouble letting go.
“Please make love to me one last time,” she whispered desperately
“Why can I never say no to you?”
She smiled again and pulled him down to lie with her. Three years of built up need, hurt, anger and passion flowed through them as they took and gave in unison. When all was said and done Alex and Olivia knew this one last time together truly meant something. Their passion was a complete confession of love, and a sincere admittance of differences, somehow holding them together for a lifetime, even if their paths never crossed again.
Olivia smiled at him. “I won't forget anything either Alex, I promise.”
He kissed her and found himself having trouble letting go.
“Please make love to me one last time,” she whispered desperately
“Why can I never say no to you?”
She smiled again and pulled him down to lie with her. Three years of built up need, hurt, anger and passion flowed through them as they took and gave in unison. When all was said and done Alex and Olivia knew this one last time together truly meant something. Their passion was a complete confession of love, and a sincere admittance of differences, somehow holding them together for a lifetime, even if their paths never crossed again.
GOOD NEWS FRIENDS AND FANS
"Seeing you again, touching you again, it feels so much like coming home." - Alex
Available June 4, 2013
Hey there everyone! Was just informed that Alaskan Ambush will be released on June 4, 2013!
I am so excited and can't wait to share it with you. If you haven't had a chance to read Virgin Voyage yet, there is still time. It is available in paperback and on kindle from Amazon.com (kindle version is 1.99!)
Just follow this link and it will take you to my BUY PAGE Click on the appropriate link and you will be directed to Amazon and you can then make your purchase.
Thank you everyone for your support. Please feel free to contact me and let me know what you think. Reviews on Amazon are also very welcome!
Stay tuned here on Tuesday June 4th for our release day giveaway - 1 signed paperback copy of Virgin Voyage and 1 kindle copy of Alaskan Ambush will be given away. Then hop on over to my facebook page http://www.facebook.com/writerjjellis, give us a like and take place in a contest and get sneak peeks on both sites! Hope to see you there!
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