Sunday, September 28, 2014

Cover Reveal for TEACH ME by Ella Sheridan

Author Ella Sheridan has a brand new release coming out soon, entitled Teach Me, and she's here to share the cover with us. Welcome, Ella!


Teach Me (Southern Nights Book One)

A woman determined to heal…
Shy researcher Jess Kingston spent the last eight weeks recovering from her ex-boyfriend’s brutal attack. Body healed, she’s ready to put her life back together—except her ex isn’t ready to let go. She won’t cower in a corner while Brit tortures her, but she’s powerless to fight back.

A man determined to resist…
Ex-military security specialist Conlan James avoids commitment like the plague. His job, his Harley, and the occasional one-night stand are all he needs, until the day he rescues Jess from a tense situation and realizes he can’t get her off his mind. He can teach her to protect herself, but protecting his heart is another matter.

A madman determined to win…
As the deadly game of cat-and-mouse with Brit heats up, so does the hunger between Con and Jess. Safety might be found in numbers, but in bed, all bets are off—and the wrong move could lead to heartbreak. Or death.

Here's an excerpt to whet your appetite:


     What the hell are you doing here?
     This wasn’t the first time in the last five minutes that Conlan had asked himself the same question. Maybe if he had an answer, the revolving door in his brain would stop spinning, but that didn’t seem likely. Not anytime soon. Not with the beautiful brunette he’d come to see sitting close enough that, if he let himself look, he could detect the light dusting of freckles across her nose. But he wasn’t looking, and he shouldn’t be here, so how had he ended up standing in line behind the thirtysomething latte league? It sure as hell wasn’t for the coffee.
     Legs braced wide, he shifted from one hip to the other, the creak of his motorcycle chaps reminding him he could be enjoying a few extra minutes on the Harley before work instead of spending that precious time here, mooning over a woman. Doe Eyes. The first time he’d seen her all those months ago, he’d thought her eyes reminded him of sweet Georgia pecans and skittish does. The name stuck, as had the memory of her eyes—and a hundred other glimpses he shouldn’t have taken.
     Another name called, another latte dispensed, another shuffle forward.
     He hadn’t seen those eyes in eight weeks, and yet still he’d shown up every Monday, like clockwork, hoping for one more glimpse and calling himself an idiot. Wasn’t like he planned on asking her out. So why the hell did he torture himself with these weekly forays into enemy territory?
     Sex. Or sex appeal, at least.
     Another step closer to the counter. The move didn’t ease the constriction behind the zipper of his jeans. This was what she did to him, thinking about her. Especially now, after so long apart.
     The thought had a snort escaping. Ahead of him, Mr. Suit and Tie startled and glanced over a shoulder, but Conlan ignored the look. He was too busy figuring out when “this” had become enough like a relationship in his head that he would think things like “after so long apart.” Doe Eyes might appear prominently in his thoughts from time to time—especially certain times—but he’d never seen her outside of this coffee shop. And he wouldn’t. A quick roll in the hay was one thing, but Doe Eyes wasn’t the kind of woman who had one-night stands. He could tell that much just by looking at her. She was a relationship kind of woman, and he was a relationship-phobic kind of guy. Which meant he seriously needed to get a grip—and not on the part of him growing even harder at the idea.

Meet Ella:
Ella grew up in the Deep South, where books provided adventures, friends, and her first taste of romance. Now she writes her own romantic adventures, with plenty of hot alpha men and the women who love and challenge them. With a day job, a husband, two active teenagers, and two not so active cats, Ella is always busy, but getting the voices in her head down on paper is a top priority. Connect with Ella at

Author Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/IJkRf

Social Media Links:

Amazon Author Page                     https://www.amazon.com/author/ellasheridan
Facebook Author Page                  https://facebook.com/ellasheridanauthor
Twitter (@AuthorESheridan)      https://twitter.com/AuthorESheridan
Goodreads                                         https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7350508.Ella_Sheridan


Tuesday, September 16, 2014

NEW RELEASE! Risking it All by JM Stewart

My friend, writer JM Stewart, has a brand new release I'm thrilled to share with you. If you love contemporary romance, you won't want to miss Risking it All!

Love requires a leap of faith...

She’s everything he wants…

For years, Kyle Morgan has hidden his true feelings from the gorgeous girl next door that he grew up loving and protecting. But when she shows up at his apartment in the middle of the night, desperately needing comfort and support, his iron will begins to waver…

…and the only thing he can’t bear to lose.

Kyle was always the big brother Cecelia Anton never had, but suddenly her goofy best friend has become a sexy man she can’t keep her thoughts—or hands—off of. As their deep connection melts into uncontrollable desire, Ceci is willing to put it all on the line for a shot at true love. Only Kyle is keeping a terrible secret about Ceci’s past that could destroy not only their lifelong friendship but their happily-ever-after…

Here's an excerpt to whet your appetite:

For a moment, she stared, her eyes searching his, then she straightened her shoulders. “Why’d you kiss me?”

Panic curled through him, sending his pulse pounding into his rib cage. Damn. Why hadn’t he expected her to ask that? But he couldn’t answer it. To do so would be tempting fate. An intense need for distance seized him. Half afraid he’d lose his mind and do something else he’d regret, like pull her into his arms and show her why he’d kissed her, he shot to his feet.

He flashed her a smile he knew had to look as phony as it felt. “Headache’s better. Thanks.”

He didn’t wait for a response but strode toward the yard.

“I need to know, Kyle.”

His answer sat on the tip of his tongue, but the voice of reason sounded in his head. Don’t say it. Whatever you do, do not say it. Just keep walking.

Her soft footsteps sounded behind him. “You can’t just do something like that and walk away and expect me not to question it. You blow hot and cold, do you know that? I know desire when I see it, yet you just keep walking away.”

“Ever think maybe I wanted to kiss you?” The words left his mouth on a hoarse whisper, and God help him, a desperate need to see her eyes seized him. He turned to find her directly behind him. She stared for a fraction of a second too long, heat and curiosity blazed in her eyes. A heartbeat later, a light blush stole into her cheeks, but she didn't move, didn't say a word.

Everything inside of him ground to a halt, his mind twisting off in another direction. I’ll be damned. If ever he needed a confirmation, there it was. Whatever had happened between them was definitely not one-sided.

And lucky for us, the book is available EVERYWHERE!




Amazon CA:  http://amzn.to/X8PA3R
Amazon AU:  http://bit.ly/X8PDwm
Barnes & Noble:  http://bit.ly/1wiJmut
Google Play:  http://bit.ly/1pY0JuS
Penguin:  http://bit.ly/1qONT7E

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

New Release! Cherished Moments by Mickie Sherwood

Please join me in welcoming Mickie Sherwood to The Second Half today! Mickie is the author of Cherished Moments, a new sweet romantic suspense. 
 
Here's a bit about the story:
Senator Jordan Dupré is reluctant to revisit her past. That thought crumbles at the sight of Deacon Burke. His commanding presence and charming smile transports her back to her youth. Back then, she kissed, loved, lied, and left him—taking a life-changing secret with her.
 
Scorned by Jordan’s dishonesty, Deke swears he never wants to see her lying face again. However, his heart knows better, and he never stops thinking of her. When Jordan’s husband is killed, Deke is summoned to the Senator’s aid, by an unlikely source—Unfortunately, he brings a secret of his own.
 
Will secrets from their past reignite their cherished moments?
 
Excerpt:
Deke’s number rang a long time before he finally answered. "Hello."
"Deke, it's me." Her throat felt scratchy from screaming. Clearing it only aggravated the rawness. "Thank you for being there."
"You know, I'll always be here for you, Jay."
"That man probably would have strangled me to death if you hadn't shown up when you did."
"What? What man? What are you talking about?"
Confusion settled over Jordan. "Wasn't that you in the parking lot a few minutes ago?"
"Jay, you banished me from your place. Remember?" He growled the words.
"It was so dark," Jordan revealed to him. "Then, who?" Her senses reeled. "Someone actually tried to harm me."
"I'm on my way.” Deke’s voice was even keeled though she deciphered an undercurrent of agony.
"I'm not at the office."
"You’re not. Then, where the hell are you?"
Now, she interpreted frustration in his tone. “I’m on my way to the lake."
"The lake? Where the hell is that?"
"Use my number to sync my signal, Deke. You'll have the directions. It hurt so badly to talk. I have to go."
"Jay!” he yelled into the phone.
"See you when you get there." She whispered goodbye, and then ended the call.
 
Buy links:
 
 
Find Mickie at:
 
Bio:
Mickie Sherwood is an author and a novice photographer. Using her backyard as the backdrop for her inspiration, she loves taking pictures of nature. Her love of photography incites her creativity for writing. Spending time with her family and cruise vacations, also stokes her imagination. With all of her interests combined, fascinating characters and intriguing circumstances can develop.
 
Mickie also enjoys a good laugh. Revel in the humorous stories she

shares about life, at her blog—Mickie's Mutterings.

Thursday, August 7, 2014

Dawn Luedecke's New Release - To Tame A Montana Heart

Today I'm delighted to welcome author Dawn Luedecke to The Second Half. Dawn is here to share her brand new Western romance entitled To Tame A Montana Heart. Let's take a look!

Blurb
Running from a past of privilege, deceit, and danger, Travis Simms is ready to settle down. What better place to forget all he left behind than the quiet little Montana town of Lolo Hot Springs? His goal is clear — build a hotel and his own destiny without complications —until one of the town’s most troublesome women captures his attention.
Dusty Larson is hell bent on independence, helping her sister run the Triple D Ranch. She can do anything a man can, and do it better, so she certainly doesn’t need one in her life. The only problem is she seems to attract bad luck and danger...and Travis. Can he tame her wild ways and keep his bachelor status intact — or does he risk losing his heart?


Isn't that a gorgeous cover? Dawn's also agreed to treat us to a couple of excerpts.

Excerpt #1

She watched him with care. “I don’t know if I love you. I like you, a lot, but I don’t have the slightest idea what love feels like.”

Travis’ smile grew slowly across his face. “I understand. I’m not sure if I love you or not, but I also don’t think I could live without you. So you will always have that.” His voice was almost a whisper when he said the last.

“Truly?” Her voice cracked and she had to force herself to breathe easy.

“Truly.”

She inclined her head and took two brisk steps toward him. She leaned over and kissed him with all the fever of a thousand fires. He reached up and intertwined his hand through her hair to hold her still as he plundered her mouth.

She released him with a shaky breath and jumped back to turn on her heels. “Put something nice on. I’ll be back with a preacher man.”

“You know, I heard you only have to say ‘I marry you’ three times and then you’re hitched.”

She threw him a sassy look and slammed the door shut.

Excerpt #2

The voices in her head screamed for her to run but she just couldn’t listen. Fists balled at her sides, Dusty prepared for a fight and stalked toward the sound, rounding the corner and tripping just as strong hands reached out and grabbed her shoulders.

The hands picked her up and turned her around to press her back into steel muscles of a rock-solid chest. One arm reached across her collarbone to clasp her shoulder. The other wrapped around her midsection, holding her against a warm body. The offending hands gripped her tight and brought her snug against the length of him. She knew without looking who it was.

“When you walk around after dark, anything can happen.” His warm breath tickled her neck, and shivers raced through her. The hand lining the length of her collarbone made its way up her shoulder and traced the edges of her shirt collar. “You are not safe from anything in the dark.”

With those words, Travis turned her around and slipped his hands behind her back to pull her closer. He bent his head and his next words tickled her lips, “Even me.” The kiss shot like lightning through Dusty. It shocked and excited her, stealing the breath from her lungs. Without conscious thought she lifted her hands and entwined them behind his neck, pressing their bodies closer.

Travis eased Dusty back, but kept her in his grip. “Heaven above, Angel…I’ve wanted to do that since I first saw you at the springs.” He traced the edges of her lips with the rough pad of his thumb. “You are way too beautiful to be out by yourself after dark. Anything could happen.”

“Anything could happen," Dusty rasped out.

Travis released Dusty and her knees buckled. He caught her before she could land on the ground, set her right once again, and gave a deep throaty laugh.

“Anything could happen,” she said again. Dizzy excitement hummed through her body, and all she could hear was the deep thump of her heart.


Biography
A country girl born and bred, Dawn Luedecke has spent most of her life surrounded by horses, country folk, and the wild terrain of Nevada, Idaho and Montana. As a child she would spend many afternoons reading books, watching western classics, and Rogers and Hammerstein movies. When she grew up she decided to leave the quiet country life for a chance to find adventure by serving a successful tour in the United States Coast Guard. During that time she found her soul mate (and alpha male) and started a family and writing career. She enjoys writing historical and paranormal romance and spends as much time as she can working on her current manuscript. For more information visit www.dawnluedecke.com.


Buy Links
The Wild Rose Press ebook
The Wild Rose Press print
Amazon kindle edition
Amazon paperback edition
Barnes and Noble ebook

Social media links
Website
www.dawnluedecke.com
Facebook
Twitter
@d_luedecke
Goodreads
Pinterest
Youtube Book trailer


Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Beware the Kamikaze Quail!

One of the most entertaining discoveries in our new home has been the California quail. OG saw the first quail early one morning, after we bought the house but before demolition began. He returned to the condo and reported 21 quail in the back yard. I was thrilled but had to wait months before it was my turn. One very quiet Sunday morning, as I sat in a folding chair out front waiting for the movers to arrive with our furniture from Minnesota, four quail raced across the driveway as only quail can. I was thrilled.

Because of the construction, we didn't see many more until the landscaping was finished in late February. We occasionally encountered quail standing or running in the street but not in our yard. In late March we moved in, and the real fun began.

What is it about quail and streets? Many times I have watched quail wait patiently on one side of the road until a car approaches then choose that exact moment to zip across right in front of the speeding tires. We call them Kamikaze Quail. It's a definite thing - believe me. We live toward the bottom of a very steep hill, and the quail like to race up and down (always in the middle of the street) in big family groups. Wacky little daredevils. Of their two brain cells, one must be devoted solely to avoiding cars, because I've never seen one hit. 


A couple of weeks ago we filled the bid bath and bought a feeder to see what sorts of birds we might attract. Within a few days it was such a hit we had to add a second. One of the fun byproducts has been a huge increase in the number of quail who come to clean up the seeds that fall on the ground. We have one family with four nearly grown chicks and a smaller family with one chick that come every day. Then they occasionally invite family and friends to the frenzy, er, party.


OG didn't like the boulders when the landscaper initially installed them. They were expensive, and he didn't think they looked natural. However, he's since changed his tune because the quail love them. As soon as the family arrives, the father quail climbs on top of the nearest rock to keep an eye on his little flock. He stays there yodeling orders until everyone's eaten their fill, then climbs down for a quick nosh before leading them off to their next stop. OG gets a kick out of this. I think it brings out the paterfamilias in him.

Thursday, July 3, 2014

Help Me Choose Images

I just got an email from IStockPhoto telling me I have a couple of credits which are about to expire. I don't know about you, but I hate to waste money I've already spent, so I thought I'd pick up an image or two for future use. 

I'm currently working on the second book in my Phoenix, Ltd. bodyguard series, tentatively entitled BOILING POINT. I've thrown together several possible combinations of images that I think might work for the cover and would appreciate your opinion. Since this will be the second in a series, some continuity might not be a bad idea. Here's the cover of UNWRITTEN RULES (Book 1) to refresh your memory.


I'm considering three background images: a Chicago cityscape, smoke on black, and steam on blue. The cityscape relates to the background of UNWRITTEN RULES, but the other two express the BOILING POINT title (this heroine goes undercover as a personal chef). Both figure images features legs like UNWRITTEN RULES, but one is more prominent. The other is wearing a red dress, also a tie-in with UNWRITTEN RULES. The title will be in the same font, but could be red or white.
#1

#2




















#3


#4























#5
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Please let me know which elements you think make the most striking cover, individually and/or together. Also, please feel free to tell me to keep looking. I really appreciate your input!

Saturday, June 7, 2014

Cover Reveal - Risking It All by JM Stewart

My friend, author JM Stewart, has a brand new book coming out in a few months, and I'm thrilled to be able to share the cover with you here at The Second Half. Isn't is gorgeous?


Title: Risking It All
Author: JM Stewart
Publisher: Penguin Intermix
Date published: Sept 16, 2014
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Word count: 80, 000
AISN: B00FFFSZB6
ISBN: 9780698147980

Originally published in a shorter form as Staking His Claim

Blurb:

She’s everything he wants…

For years, Kyle Morgan has hidden his true feelings from the gorgeous girl next door that he grew up loving and protecting. But when she shows up at his apartment in the middle of the night, desperately needing comfort and support, his iron will begins to waver…

…and the only thing he can’t bear to lose.

Kyle was always the big brother Cecelia Anton never had, but suddenly her goofy best friend has become a sexy man she can’t keep her thoughts—or hands—off of. As their deep connection melts into uncontrollable desire, Ceci is willing to put it all on the line for a shot at true love. Only Kyle is keeping a terrible secret about Ceci’s past that could destroy not only their lifelong friendship but their happily-ever-after…

Trailer:


Purchase links:




About the author:

JM writes passionate, heartfelt contemporary romance. She’s a wife, a mother, a spiritualist, and lover of puppies, and happily addicted to coffee and chocolate. She lives in the rainy Pacific Northwest with her husband and two sons. She’s a hopeless romantic who believes everybody should have their happily-ever-after and has been devouring romance novels for as long as she can remember. Writing them has become her obsession.

You can find out more about JM or her books here: Website /Blog /Twitter /Facebook