Tru Stories: March 2014

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

99 Cent Ebook Deals!

Yay! Here is a great book sale that includes 16 titles. There are some great books on here so make sure you scroll clear to the end. Some of these books have never been discounted before; some are new, and some are back because readers are asking for them. You should find something great to read! This includes everything from children's books to adult novels, from romance and speculative fiction. If you do find a book you enjoy, we hope you will take the time to give the author a nice review and maybe check out their other books. These prices are good through April 1st unless otherwise stated, so feel free to pass them along!

First is Breathtaking!! By far the biggest deal of all! SEVEN full length novels by SEVEN bestselling authors!! All for only $.99 for a very limited time!

Breathtaking Box Set - 7 Full Novels!

Clean Romance and Suspense

99 cents on Kindle , Nook, iTunes, and other eReaders now through March 29th only.

Baggage Claim by Amanda Tru - A weekend trip to New York takes a dangerous turn when Rachel's luggage is lost and she is accosted by an infuriating Homeland Security agent.

A Perfect Fit by Heather Tullis - Cami DiCarlo wasn't happy about being coerced to work at her father's latest hotel in the Rocky Mountains, but her expectations of a boring year are blown away by sexy landscape architect Vince Talmadge, and someone in the shadows who is out to bring her family down.

Home Before Dark by Christy Barritt - When country music star Daleigh McDermott digs deeper into what she believes is the murder of her father, the only person who gives credence to her concerns is small town mechanic Nick Shields. As they dig deeper into things best left alone, they realize they must rely on each other or the darkness they discover will swallow them whole.

You Belong With Me by Shannon Guymon - Love could restart a stalled heart. Love could comfort and cleanse. Love could renew. Love was a miracle. Burned out social worker, Layla Kendall is about to learn exactly what love can do.

Unbelievable by Sherry Gammon - Unbelievable, Book 2 in the Port Fare Series. A firestorm named Delilah Dreser is about to ignite Cole Colter's quiet little world. But will he and his friends survive?

Blog This by Cami Checketts - In a race against time, can Natasha evade a hitman and expose her enemies before the assassin murders her family and shatters her world?

Cassie's Cowboy Crave by Kimberly Krey - This fun western romance features a Seattle editor, a handsome cowboy, and a witness protection program that has them posing as husband and wife.

Fair Catch by Cindy Roland Anderson

Contemporary Romance - 344 pages

99 cent Kindle (reg. 2.99) NOTE: DOES NOT GO ON SALE UNTIL MARCH 27th

Or buy for print

Ellie Garrett never planned on being a divorced, single mother—she also never planned to get married again. Ever. Her ordinary life changes when the house across the street is sold. The new owner is Nick Coulter—quarterback and MVP for the Sacramento Defenders. Oh yeah, he’s also one of People magazine’s top 100 most beautiful people and America’s most eligible bachelor. So why would she pick him to have her first crush on since her divorce? Recently retired from the NFL, Nick is more than ready to find a wife and start a family. He's tired of his high-profile lifestyle and moves to Pleasant Wood, Colorado, hoping to finally settle down and focus on his foundation Kids Come First. It would just feel nice to be a normal guy. Of course being rebuffed by Ellie the first few times he meets her makes him feel a little too normal. As Nick and Ellie become acquainted, their mutual attraction is hard to ignore. But Ellie’s been hurt before by her womanizing ex-husband. She’s not sure that Nick has left behind his playboy reputation. Can she risk falling in love with the celebrity football player or will she miss her chance at scoring big in the game of love?

Gathering Storm by Kenneth R. Tarr

The Last Days Series - inspirational apocalyptic - 312 pages

FREE on Kindle (reg 3.99 - Free until March 26-30 only)

Or buy print

THE FULFILLMENT OF PROPHECY IS UPON US

Steven Christopher struggles to make sense of his life after his wife abandons him and their three children to join a polygamous cult. He meets Mary Fleming at his new LDS ward, but his bitter experience with marriage makes him feel unworthy and afraid to give his heart to another woman. Mary, recovering from her own failed relationship, sees something in Steven that even he doesn't realize exists, but how can he trust her? Then the first great catastrophe strikes. Steven and Mary soon find themselves in the midst of apocalyptic prophecies regarding latter-day events—both terrible and marvelous—that unfold shortly before the Second Coming of the Lord. As natural disasters, plagues, anarchy, and the collapse of the American government lead to the degradation of civilization throughout the world, a great worldwide secret combination expands its evil influence. The people of God are the only power that can stand against this evil, people like Steven and Mary—if they will accept the challenge.

Samara (A Kilenya Romance novella) by Andrea Pearson

YA romance - 58 pages

Buy for Kindle here (99 cents)

When Samara Oldroyd takes a break from her somewhat insane family to browse a music store, she meets the funniest, most attractive and awesome guy ever. A phone call interrupts their conversation, and she has to leave before she can find out anything about him—what his name is, where he's from, and why his smile is so familiar. Her wishes that they'll run into each other again come true, but not how she expects. When her older sister finally lets the family meet her new boyfriend, Samara is shocked to see it's the guy from the music store! Awkward and hilarious situations thrive as Samara tries—in vain—to undo the crush she's formed. Inspired by the film Dan in Real Life, this novella will tickle you pink.

The Whispering Ruins by S. Jackson Rivera

Jungle Series - YA fantasy - 421 pages

99 cents on Kindle (3.99)

Or buy for print

A mysterious whispering from ruins deep within the jungle pulls Sunna from the trance that has been holding her mind hostage for years. Kael, the young prince, seeks adventure outside the palace walls and is also drawn to the jungle. There he meets Sunna, and their fates become intertwined. When three dangerous men come to their land and begin their hunt for a missing fugitive, the secrets that have shielded both Sunna and Kael are nearly revealed, and supernatural events threaten to destroy everything they've worked to create—leaving their lives in ruins.

At Midnight by Stephanie Fowers

Twisted Tales Series - YA fantasy - 383 pages

99 cents on Kindle (Reg. 2.99)

Or buy for print

Stop the Clock from Striking Twelve!

Bridgette has Cinderella complex big time. She has to find true love's kiss to get some weird guy off her back who claims to be her faery godmother. But who is she really? Loser of Omak High? Victim of the evil stepmother who runs the group home?

Not-so-proud owner of a hearth where fire-starting goblins live?

Asylum wannabe with occasional schizophrenic episodes? Not even Bridgette knows. Even if her faery godmother wasn't some guy who knows nothing about romance, how is Bridgette supposed to get true love's kiss if everyone she cares about disappears? Bridgette must find out who she really is in the faerytales or she'll lose everything.

Mansfield Ranch by Jenni James

The Jane Austen Diaries - YA Romance - 144 pages

99 cents on Kindle (reg. 4.99)

Does true love really prevail? All Lilly Price has ever known is living in the shadow of her widely successful foster family. But when a twist of fate deals Lilly the hand of Harrison Crawford, the most popular guy in Bloomfield, NM, everything flips upside down. Sean Benally is a hard worker, he’s funny, he’s generous, and he’s kind. He’s also the most amazing guy Lilly has ever known. And she's totally fallen in love with him. But he’s her foster brother . . . Now she must choose between the unavailable love of her life—or the guy who promises to be available forever.

Awakening by Christy Dorrity

The Geis Series - YA fantasy - 300 pages

FREE on Kindle (Reg. 3.99)

Or buy for print

. . . because some Celtic stories won’t be contained in myth. A little magic has always run in sixteen-year-old McKayla McCleery's family—at least that’s what she’s been told. McKayla’s eccentric Aunt Avril travels the world as a clairvoyant for the FBI, and her mother can make amazing delicacies out of the most basic of ingredients. But McKayla doesn't think for a second that the magic is real—it’s just good storytelling. Besides, McKayla doesn’t need magic. She recently moved to beautiful Star Valley, Wyoming, and already she has an amazing best friend, a solo in her upcoming ballet recital, and the gorgeous guy in her physics class keeps looking her way. When an unexpected fascination with Irish dance leads McKayla to seek instruction from the mute, crippled, janitor at her high school, she learns that her family is not the only one with unexplained abilities. After Aunt Avril comes to Star Valley in pursuit of a supernatural killer, people begin disappearing, and the lives of those McKayla holds most dear are threatened. When the janitor reveals that an ancient curse, known as a geis, has awakened powers that defy explanation, McKayla is forced to come to terms with what is real and what is fantasy.

A Challenge for Brittany by Lisa J. Peck

CTR Club ages 6-10 - 85 pages

99 cents on Kindle

FREE on Nook

Brittany Stevenson, her little sister Christine, and her best friend Meagan have been asked by their bishop to be friends with Parker—a new kid in the ward. But Parker is autistic and loves to play with Brittany's braids. He even tries to stick them in his mouth! Brittany isn't sure anyone can overcome that kind of embarrassment! Or is there a way?

That's all for this time! I hope you find a lot of enjoyment in these books. If so, please pass word on. And remember that a kind review really helps authors spend more time writing and less time begging random people to buy their books THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

bold>Thanks for stopping by!

Yay! It's time for another book sale and we've got 14 titles here. Some great new choices for you, including a couple of mine so make sure you scroll clear to the end. Some of these books have never been discounted before, some are new, and some are back because readers are asking for them. You should find something great to read! We have everything from children's books to adult novels, from romance and speculative fiction. If you do find a book you enjoy, we hope you will take the time to give the author a nice review and maybe check out their other books. These prices are good through April 1st unless otherwise stated, so feel free to pass them along!

The Cure by Teyla Branton

Unbounded Series - Contemporary Urban fantasy with over 100 four- and five-star reviews! - 298 pages 99 cents on Kindle (reg. 3.99) Or buy for print Erin Radkey’s life has altered completely since her Change made her one of the Unbounded. Yet she has learned the hard way that some things never change. Over the centuries the long-lived Unbounded have divided into two groups, the Emporium who craves money and power and will do anything to achieve its ends, including experimenting on its own people, and the Renegades who protect humanity. Erin’s new abilities are tested as she and fellow Renegades fight the Emporium in a struggle that soon becomes all too personal, and where lines of loyalty are blurred by relationships of the past. Everything is at risk, including the lives of her friends—and the love of Ritter Langton, the Renegade Unbounded who both infuriates and excites her.

The Ember Gods by Andrea Pearson

Kilenya Seies - Middle grade fantasy with 19 five-star reviews! - 282 pages

99 cents on Kindle (reg. 3.99)

Or buy for print

Jacob Clark has just returned from the world of Eklaron, where he frustrated the evil plans of the Lorkon and returned the magical Key of Kilenya to its rightful owners. His quest is far from over, though—Aloren is trapped in Maivoryl City by the Ember Gods, and Jacob can't return to save her until he receives the potion that will protect his team from the corrosive influence of the Lorkon. Balancing between this new world and his own proves tricky. Not only has he started his first year of high school, but his magical abilities are bringing him too much attention. He feels pulled by both sides, hoping he'll figure out his special powers to save Aloren in time. BTW, the first book The Key of Kilenya is FREE on Kindle March 26-28th during this promotion.

To Love and to Promise by Rachel Ann Nunes

Inspirational Romance - 298 pages

99 cents Kindle (reg. 3.99)

Or buy for print

When Brionney Fields marries handsome and charming Derek Roathe, she feels like her life is a fairy tale come true. And when baby Savannah comes along, she's sure of it. Then, with a horrifying discovery, the dream is shattered and her fairy tale begins to unravel. Trying to pick up the bits and pieces of her life, she wonders if she'll ever be able to take a chance at love again. The answer finally comes, but is Brionney ready for it? Can she set aside a world of pain for the hope of true love? She's heard all the promises before, but they've been empty and tainted by lies. Why should she believe them now? Join Brionney as she learns that the road to true love and happiness is never easy . . . but in the end it's worth every prayer, every tear, and every leap of faith along the way.

A Heartbeat Away by Rachel Ann Nunes

Inspirational - 212 pages

99 cents on Kindle (reg. 3.99)

"You think it's never going to happen to you. I know because that's how I was—untouchable. Bad things only happen to someone else. Or if something bad actually did happen, it was always something the doctor could fix with fiberglass or a pill. That's the way it was with my family—at least until the year I turned thirteen." When their young daughter, Kristin, is kidnapped, Gary and Angie Marshall struggle to make sense of the unthinkable. Who could do such a thing? And why Kristin? As more time passes in their desperate search for their daughter, their hopes slowly dwindle. They are left with "if onlys" and a glaring uncertainty that damages their marriage and their relationships with their other children, especially their oldest daughter, Meghan. Meanwhile, Kristin's first job in her new "life" is to heal the hearts of her family. But doing so turns out to be more of a challenge than she ever expected. But time is running out. As she blames herself for Kristin's disappearance, Meghan turns down a road that can only lead to more unhappiness. Kristin must find a way to help her sister find healing—and perhaps love.

Behind the Mask Part 1 by Anita Stansfield writing as Elizabeth D. Michaels

Historical romance - 294 pages

FREE for Kindle (reg. 99 cents - Free March 26-30 only)

Part 1 of Behind the Mask for an introductory price. There are three parts of this extended saga and each part is like a full book.

Abbi has the gift of dreams. But her uncanny ability to see glimpses of the future has no apparent purpose or meaning until a dream leads her to a man on the brink of despair and destruction. Cameron is a man without a name and without a country, framed for a crime he didn’t commit. Long ago forced into exile and believed dead, the passing of years have defaced him of all hope. The country of Horstberg suffers beneath the weight of tyranny, and only Cameron holds the secret that could see her ruler undone and restore the people to peace and prosperity. While revolution brews and whispers of treason threaten all that is dear to Abbi, she remains unaware of her own ability to answer a nation’s prayers. Trusting only her heart and the power of her dreams, Abbi gives all that she has to lead Cameron back into a civilized world, where love is real and freedom comes only in facing what hides behind the mask.

Secret Sisters by Tristi Pinkston

Secret Sisters Series - Cozy mystery - 155 pages

99 cents on Kindle (reg. 3.99)

Or buy print

Ida Mae Babbitt, president of the Omni 2nd Ward Relief Society, didn't mean to become a spy. But when visiting teaching stats are low and she learns that one family under her care is in financial trouble, she'll do whatever it takes to make sure they have what they need. If that includes planting surveillance cameras in their home and watching them from a parked car in the woods, well, isn't that what any caring Relief Society president would do? With the help of her counselors Arlette and Tansy, Ida Mae soon learns that there's more to the situation than meets the eye. It's all in a day's work for the Relief Society. (This is an update of the original version published in 2010 with a purple cover.)

The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back by Sariah Wilson

YA fantasy - 224 pages

99 cents on Kindle 9reg. 2.99)

Or buy print

Everyone knows how all those fairy tales go. The princess gets beautiful, nabs her prince, falls instantly in love, lives happily ever after and leaves her evil stepsisters in the dust.But what happens when you’re the ugly stepsister and your obnoxiously perfect—read pretty, smart, and, worst of all, sickeningly nice—stepsister is dating the charming, tall, devastatingly handsome guy you’ve had a thing for since you were nine years old? Quirky, artistic and snarky Mattie Lowe does not lead a charmed life. Her mother is constantly belittling her on Skype. Mercedes, the school mean girl, has made it her personal mission to torment Mattie. But worst of all? Her stepsister Ella is the most beautiful, popular girl in school and is dating Mattie’s secret longtime crush, Jake Kingston. Tired of being left out and done with waiting for her own stupid fairy godmother to show up, Mattie decides to change her life. She’ll start by running for senior class president against wildly popular Jake. Ella can keep her Prince Annoying. Mattie’s going to rule the school. And no one, not even a cute and suddenly flirty Jake, is going to stop her.

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Breathtaking: Seven Bestselling Novels of Love and Suspense

Boxed set is only $.99 March 24th through March 29th.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Kobo * Smashwords

Breathtaking Book Trailer

Excerpts from the clean romantic suspense novels of the Breathtaking Boxed Set

Excerpt from Cassie's Cowboy Crave by Kimberly Krey

Cassie's words dangled in the air like an invitation, warm and welcome. He couldn't likely bring her home without a simple kiss, now, could he? When their eyes met, Shane tilted his head, asking for permission with the lift of his brow. She nodded slightly - a silent response - yet the best thing he'd heard in weeks - Yes.

Excerpt from Baggage Claim by Amanda Tru

Rachel got out of the car, and the cabbie popped the trunk for her to get her suitcase. She lifted it out and stepped to the curb as the cab pulled away.
"Rachel!"
Surprised, Rachel looked up from battling to get her suitcase set on its wheels. Before she could even move, a dark-haired man ran up, grabbed her close, and kissed her passionately on the mouth. Rachel went completely numb, too shocked to even think. He finally pulled away, continuing to hold her close and grin at her like she was the absolute best thing in his life.
"Sweetheart! I'm so glad you're here!" he said joyfully.
Recognition hit. This wasn't a complete stranger. She knew this man! He was 'The Rudest Man' from the airport, only now, he obviously wasn't acting so disagreeable. Indignation rose in her. How dare he! Her hand itched to slap him full in the face. As if he realized her intention, he blocked her hand and held it firmly in his continued embrace.
Bending close and smiling, he whispered in her ear. "I'm an agent with Homeland Security. If you want both of us to survive the next ten seconds, you'll play along and do exactly as I say."

Excerpt from A Perfect Fit by Heather Tullis

Vince watched the women pull up in three cars and file into the hotel. He rubbed his forearm across his sweaty head and paused in his movements after maneuvering the front loader to set the boulder where it belonged on the landscape.
They were some incredible women, an interesting mix of hair colors and clothing styles from business formal on Lana and Cami to more casual chic attire on Rosemary and Delphi. Sage wore a billowy, eccentric skirt, and Jonquil’s sleek pantsuit seemed somehow tomboyish, even while it reeked of professionalism. A tall, muscular, bald guy pulled in right behind them, following them into the building.
Vince had managed to meet all of the women the previous day, intentionally putting off work in their yard until the day they were to arrive, if only to catch a glimpse of them. Or rather, because he was highly curious about one woman in particular.
George had mentioned all of his daughters at one time or another, but spoke particularly of Camellia. Vince had gone out of his way to track down pictures of her on the Internet when George had made it clear he felt Vince would be a nice match for her. Vince wasn’t one to let others guide him when it came to women, but he’d been curious.
And then he’d seen her picture and thought if she was half as nice on the inside as the outside, he might be willing to get to know her after all. Yesterday he’d learned she was far better looking in person than in the grainy newsprint pictures. And those long legs—they could make a grown man weep in appreciation.
Now she flicked the sunglasses off her face, shook out the mop of red curls, and put on an expression of determination before stepping into the building. She had seemed so confident the previous day, he was surprised to see the signs of nerves.
Turning his mind back to his work, Vince backed up the front loader to get the next boulder.
~*~
There must have been nerves all around, because after the women’s various morning routines, they settled down to breakfasts of eggs, cold cereal, or in Rosemary’s case, three cups of espresso, black. They car pooled to the hotel, which was only a couple of blocks away, a nice convenience on mornings when a walk would be a welcome change. Checking out the blue skies as she got out of the car, Cami thought she might indulge in the activity often. Juniper Ridge might be the back of beyond, but it was lovely.
Half a dozen men worked in the yard, putting in landscaping. Dozens of construction vehicles created a maze the ladies had to pick their way through to reach the front door. When the women walked from the finished exterior to the inside, the sound of hammers and drills was apparent, though the entrance was mostly finished, if lacking furniture.
Alex greeted them as they crossed into the building. “Hey, ladies, I’m glad to see you all came together. Welcome to DiCarlo Resort and Spa of Juniper Ridge, Colorado. As you’ll notice, there’s still a great deal of work to be done before you open September first. We’ll do a full tour with the regional director after the meeting. Over the next few days, each of you will have a chance to discuss your departments and goals.”
“Me first, right? I have to get back to Boston for a wedding in two days,” Delphi reminded him. “This meeting is causing me a major headache.”
“Yes, you first. How are things coming with that, anyway?” He turned and walked beside her as he led them to the meeting.
“Good, great. If this bride hadn’t called me at three a.m. in tears and terror that something was going to go wrong, it would be better.”
Alex stopped at an open door and gestured for the women to go on through. “Every job has its perks.” His smile was wry.
“Don’t they just,” Lana said as she breezed into the room ahead of Cami, then stopped two steps in, causing Cami to run into her, and nearly knock her down. “What are you doing here?”
Cami righted herself and took a step back to find Lana staring at Blake Bahlmann, formerly hotel manager at the Chicago resort. Only a couple of seconds passed before she regained her self-possession and continued into the room.

Excerpt from Blog This by Cami Checketts

Jace trudged to the top of the hill and dug the board into the snow. “Your turn, Mom. Don’t biff it.” He opened his hands for his sister. “C’mere, Lils. Mommy’s going to fall off the snowboard.”
Natasha handed him Lily. “After weeks of painful crashes, I am now the expert snowboarder.” She rubbed at the latest bruise on her backside.
Jace laughed. Setting Lily on her feet, he steadied her with both hands under her armpits. “One good slide don’t prove nothin’.” Jace sat on the snow and tugged Lily down next to him. He leaned toward his sister’s ear and said in a stage whisper, “Help me make snowballs. We’ll throw them at Mommy when she crashes.”
Lily giggled as if she understood and followed her brother’s example. Together, they dug into the crusty snow to assemble their arsenal.
“If I crash.” Natasha pried open the plastic bindings of the cheap snowboard Jace had received from Santa last month and slid her flowered Bogs into position. The descent shouldn’t even be classified as a hill, but she still managed to gain new sore spots on most runs. She leaned forward. The tip plunged off the edge and she flew toward the bottom. Her stomach hopped. Cool air brushed her cheeks. This is great. When I don’t crash.
Without warning, the glossy surface gained the advantage. The board slid out from under her feet. Natasha’s rear banged onto the ice and scooted to a stop. “Oomph,” she grunted, pain radiating up through her back. A new bruise would appear tomorrow. She watched the snowboard finish its journey across the yard, minus its rider.
“You suck,” Jace yelled.
“Watch it. I raised you with a better vocabulary than that.”
He laughed. “Your awful crashes are amazing.”
It wasn’t poetic, but he was only nine. “If you weren’t making fun of me, I’d be impressed.” Natasha laid back in the snow, resting her eyes and smiling to herself. She did suck, but she didn’t care—this was quality time they didn’t often get. She relaxed, enjoying the contrast of warm sweat rolling down her back and the cold seeping through her sweatshirt.
Jace’s laughter stopped suddenly. An unnatural quiet descended upon the yard. Natasha forced her eyelids open, squinting against the brilliance of the sun.
“Mom!”
Natasha sat up. The world swam for a second. Jace and Lily were still perched on the hill above her. Lily happily patted the snow, but Jace’s face was pinched. He pointed toward the barren lilacs extending from the north end of the house to the neighbor’s fence. Natasha focused on the source of his distress. A tall figure studied them through the bushes.
Who is that? Natasha scrambled to her feet. Her heartbeat escalated.
The man strode toward her, stopping less than ten feet away. He glared down, towering over her 5’4”. Dark bristles covered the lower half of his face. His pale features were model perfect, long lashes showcasing black licorice eyes. His face gave no hint as to why he’d invaded their privacy.
Tearing her eyes from him, Natasha glanced at her children. Jace didn’t speak or move. Lily screamed her version of hello. The man didn’t answer. Natasha pivoted back to face him, unsure why she felt such a strong urge to scream for help and run to protect her children.
His gaze locked on hers. His eyes were so cold. A chill wind swept over her, but the branches on the trees didn’t move.
“Can I help you?” She clutched her gloved fingers to stop the trembling.
His eyes darkened. His lips stayed in a tight line.
“Did you, um, get lost?” Natasha forced an unsteady laugh and arched her eyebrows. “Easy to do in a town of less than three thousand people.” He didn’t crack a smile so she released her own, pointed toward the front yard, and stiffly recited driving directions. “Highway 89 is less than a mile east of here. The fastest route is to drive straight out of the neighborhood and then take two-hundred s-s…”
His right arm rose—a black pistol molded to his palm. Heart thudding, Natasha’s voice sputtered and died.

Excerpt from Unbelievable by Sherry Gammon

Cole’s shopping trip with Maggie
We browsed several stores in the mall, each more trendy than the next. “I don’t know, Mags, maybe I’m being too hasty.” I held up a pair of beat-up jeans covered in holes. “Maybe I should stick to scrubs.”
“Relax. This is all new to you. You’re stepping out of your comfort zone,” she insisted, holding up a t-shirt with some crazy graphic across the front. I cringed.
“Okay, let’s go.” She grabbed my arm and led me to a store boasting the world’s largest collection of Levis.
“This is more like it.” I skimmed through a pile of good old Levis.
“What about these?” Maggie handed me a pair of dark skinny jeans.
“No.” I said flatly. Skinny jeans? Seriously. Does she have any idea what tight jeans do to a guy’s manhood? I wanted to quote her the statistics of the adverse effect tight pants can have on a man, but I bit my tongue. No more statistics. I took the jeans. She had it right. I needed to step out of my comfort zone. I grabbed two other pair of normal jeans and went into the dressing room.
Wedging myself into the skinny jeans was a joke. My voice practically jumped two octaves they were so tight. I eyed myself in the mirror and cringed. I looked like a wannabe rock star. I stepped out to show Maggie.
“They look good,” she said with a smile. I shook my head and tugged on the legs of the stupid things. I’d walked ten feet and they were already crawling up my butt.
“Cole, they’re not that tight. You’ll get used to them,” she insisted.
“Mags, I’ve worn baggie scrubs for eight years now. I can’t do skinny jeans.” She pushed me back toward the dressing room with instructions not to give up.
I went with the relaxed fit next. “Now this is what I’m talking about,” I mumbled to my reflection in the mirror, noting they were a little snug in the rear. I went out to show Maggie.
“Perfect.” She grabbed a short-sleeved Henley shirt from a nearby rack and held it up to me.
“I like the shirt, but I think it should be long sleeved.” I took and exchanged it for a green long sleeved one from the rack.
“Cole, it’s ninety-six degrees out there. You’ll die in long sleeves,” she said, lifting her brows.
“Maggie, we live in upstate New York. It’s cold nine months out of twelve. If I buy short sleeved shirts, I’ll get two or three months use at the most.”
She turned around and murmured one step at a time as she went through another rack of shirts.
“I think I’ll get the next size of jeans. These are a little snug.”
She twisted back to me. “Are you trying for the ‘my pants are hanging halfway down my butt’ look?” she asked.
“No.” The thought appalled me.
“Then don’t get the next size.” She handed me two long-sleeved shirts and I went back to try them on.

Excerpt from Home Before Dark by Christy Barritt

Prologue
Daleigh McDermott ducked before another branch could slap her face. The woods surrounded her, reached for her, sucked the breath out of her. The darkness was an enemy all in itself, and right now the nighttime stalked her. She couldn’t escape its death grip.
The trees blended together, morphing into an endless landscape that repeated itself over and over. Where was she? Which direction was help?
She couldn’t afford to stop and gather her thoughts. The men were on her trail. She could hear their footsteps in the distance, only moments behind her. Quick and urgent. In pursuit.
A bullet flew past her shoulder. Her breath caught again and perspiration invaded her skin like an army of fear moving in for the kill.
Her gaze skittered in front of her, as her steps faltered for a moment. A fallen tree seemed familiar, like she’d passed it before. Could she be running right back into the hands of her father’s killer? Right back into the den of terror she’d discovered? Right back to the point where her life flashed in front of her eyes?
No, she couldn’t think like that. She had to keep moving. Keep fighting to live.
She dodged a cypress tree. A broken, low-lying branch snagged her skin and pain ripped through her thigh.
She yelped, biting back any more telltale groans. She couldn’t let the men find her. She chomped down in an effort to remain silent. Blood soaked her taste buds.
She had to keep moving. With one hand, she covered the wound on her leg. Something wet and warm saturated her fingers. Her blood. Her throat went dry at the thought.
Run, Daleigh. Run. Her life depended on getting away.
She limped forward, her breath now coming in ragged gasps. How many more people had died? How many people had been casualties in this lust for money and power?
Everyone she thought she could trust had let her down. Well, almost everyone. Her heart lurched as unfinished conversations slammed into her mind.
A shout echoed behind her. Her heart stuttered as fear wrapped its talons around her again. She had to keep moving, despite the pain, despite the fear.
Two more steps, and her foot slipped. The ground disappeared beneath her.
The river, she realized.
She’d reached the river, and its black depths waited to swallow her.
She gasped, realizing she may not have the strength to fight the watery grave awaiting her.

Excerpt from You Belong with Me by Shannon Guymon

Layla closed her eyes and took in a deep shaky breath, still trying to gain control. She was surprised when Michael sighed and then pulled her into his arms again. She shocked herself even more by putting her arms around his waist as he held her tightly and more tears seeped out of her eyes, wetting his dress shirt. When she finally pulled away, he let her go slowly. “Is there something I can do? Has someone hurt you or upset you?” he asked, his eyes going hot and dangerous.
Layla shook her head, smiling as she moved away from him so she could grab a towel to wipe her eyes. “No, not really. It’s nothing like that. Well, yes and no, I guess. I um, used to be a social worker before I came here. I had a really rough year and I burned out. Max was kind enough to rip open a few unhealed wounds just now and you walked in at the wrong time. Sorry,” she said, looking away, feeling awkward.
Michael frowned and stepped toward her, taking her shoulders in his hands. “Don’t be sorry,” he said softly shaking his head at her. “Just let me help.”
Layla looked up at him and dabbed at her eyes again as they refused to stop leaking. “You don’t even know me Michael. Why in the world would you want to help me?” she asked, trying to grip the shreds of her dignity together and put a little distance between them.
Michael frowned down into her eyes as he looked deep. “Let me in Layla. I’ll help you heal and maybe you can help me heal. And in the end, we’ll both be better. Friends?” he asked with a slight smile around his mouth.
Layla blinked in surprise and bit her lip. Helping each other heal? Friends? “No,” she said automatically.
Michael grinned down into her eyes, making her heart catch. “I was hoping you’d say that,” he said and then leaned forward a few inches and kissed her softly.
Layla jerked back in surprise, but he held her firmly in place, tilting his head to the side in order to kiss her more fully. Layla felt light headed and her sore heart started beating faster as her hands reached up to push at his chest. He moved to her cheek and her temple, kissing her softly and she found instead of her hands pushing, she was grasping onto him, as if she didn’t, she’d fall.
He pulled back and stared down into her eyes. “That’s a good start,” he said with his crooked smile.
Layla licked her lips and started to say something, but she heard the front door bang open as her sisters returned from the store. Michael looked up at the sound and moved back a few steps right as Kit and Jane breezed in holding bags in both arms.
“Hey Layla, we’re back,” Kit said with a smile and then noticed Michael standing in the kitchen. She turned with raised eyebrows to look at Layla, but then frowned and hurried to her sister’s side, practically throwing the bags on the counter.
“Layla! What’s happened? Tell me!” Kit ordered throwing her arms around her sister’s shoulders.
Jane stood just inside the kitchen, holding her bags and looking unsure and upset. She looked at Michael suspiciously. “Michael, what’s going on here?”
Michael walked over to Jane and took the bags out of her hands. “I’ll let Layla explain it to you. I just stopped by to see if I can bring Stella over later this afternoon. She’s been after me for days to drop by for another treat and I thought I’d better ask before we barge in on you,” he said, looking at Layla with soft worried eyes.
Jane walked over to Layla who was blotting her eyes again. Layla looked at Michael over Kit’s shoulder and nodded. “Please bring her Michael. I could use a little sunshine today if you don’t mind.”
Michael nodded and walked out, leaving the sisters alone in the kitchen. Jane walked over to Kit and Layla and threw her arms around both of her sisters at the same time.
“I don’t know what’s going on here, but it’s killing me,” Jane said, with tears in her voice too.
Kit nodded and pulled back, with tears on her cheeks. “If you cry, we all cry,” she said with a wavery voice.
Layla laughed through her tears and pulled her sisters over to the counter so she could sit down. After all the crying she’d done, she felt empty and exhausted. Purged.
“I’m okay. I was just having a conversation with Max and she brought up a case that still hurts me from last year. Our grandmother had shown her a newspaper clipping of me that she’d kept I guess. She told me that I was bleeding inside and that if I didn’t let someone in that I would die. She left and I kind of fell apart. Michael walked in and saw me sobbing my heart out and there you have it. I’ve never been so embarrassed in my entire life,” she admitted, looking away.
Kit leaned her head on her hand as she stared at her sister, her eyes filled with sympathy. “Oh Layla, I’m so freaking sorry. Michael looked kind of torn up when we walked in. I thought it was something he’d done at first,” she said, grabbing her sister’s hand.
Layla shook her head and smiled in gratitude as Jane handed her some tissues. Layla took a moment to blow her nose loudly before continuing. “No, Michael was actually . . . pretty sweet about the whole thing. He put his arms around me and kind of, um, held me while I cried my eyes out.”
Jane and Kit stared at each other wide eyed and then stared at their sister. “Holy crap,” Jane breathed out. “I cannot believe this.”
Layla pushed her hair out of her face and looked at Jane in surprise. “What? That I cried my eyes out or that Michael was so nice about it?”
Kit looked at Jane and nodded. “No, we’re surprised that our tougher than nails, I don’t need anyone especially some rotten man, sister allowed a man to comfort her. Wow,” Kit said, shaking her head.
Jane nodded. “I would have never believed it.”
Layla frowned and stood up, walking over to the fridge to grab a water bottle. She felt a little weak and dehydrated after all her crying. “Look guys, you might think I’m tough and mean and all that, but it turns out I’m pretty human. I hurt, I cry and sometimes, it feels good to have someone hold you while you hurt and cry,” she said, surprising herself to realize that it was true.

Monday, March 24, 2014

Breathtaking: Seven Bestselling Novels of Love and Suspense

Boxed set is only $.99 March 24th through March 29th.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * iTunes * Kobo * Smashwords

Unbelievable by Sherry Gammon
Deliah Dreser's in town to take care of family business. They say the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, but there's more to Lilah than meets the eye. Cole's in danger of losing his heart when this firestorm throws sparks his way. Is she simply playing him for the fool in order to exact revenge for her brother's murders?
Bestselling author Sherry Gammon's reviewers exclaim; "She has a gift for touching her readers with beautiful, gripping stories that you can’t put down."

Home Before Dark by Christy Barritt
Nothing good ever happens after dark. Those were the words country singer Daleigh McDermott’s father always repeated.
Now her father is dead, and Daleigh finds a hidden journal hinting that his death was no accident. Small town mechanic Ryan Shields is the only one who seems to believe Daleigh. As the two work to unravel the mystery, it becomes obvious that someone wants them dead. They must rely on each other—and on God—if they hope to make it home before the darkness swallows them whole.
Award-Winning Suspense Novelist and Bestselling Amazon Author, touted as "scary, funny, passionate, and quirky" by USA Today.

Baggage Claim by Amanda Tru
Rachel Saunders is looking forward to her all-expense paid weekend trip to New York. But, when her luggage is lost and she is accosted by an infuriating Homeland Security agent, events take a dangerous turn.
Amanda Tru, Bestselling Amazon Author of Romance and Suspense. Discover the author who, as an Amazon reviewer raves, “continues to impress me and dominate my time with a book I can’t put down even after it’s ended.”

Cassie's Cowboy Crave by Kimberly Krey

In a moment of weakness, Shane steals a kiss.
In return, Cassie steals his heart…
When Cassie is forced to join the witness protection program, she fears her life is over… but then she meets Shane Emerson — the hunky cowboy posing as her husband. Will this sham marriage turn into the real thing, or will a hidden danger put it all at risk?
Kimberly Krey writes romance that’s clean without losing the steam. What’s Beyond Forks calls this Best-selling Western Romance author “the master of romantic tension.”

A Perfect Fit by Heather Tullis
Cami DiCarlo is not happy when her father forces her into heading up guest services at his newest five-star hotel and unveils the existence of four half-sisters at the same time, insisting they live together while they launch the new resort.
When she meets Vince, the sweet, sexy landscaper her father would never have approved of, Cami can’t say no. If only she could be sure she is on the right track—and that they will be able to stop the person who is trying to destroy everything.

You Belong with Me by Shannon Guymon

Layla Kendall is a burned out social worker one step away from a major depression. When she and her sisters inherit their grandmother's bakery, she doesn't know if she can trust her good fortune or not. But the chance to be with her sisters and get away from the heartache and pain she's faced day in and day out is a chance she's going to take. With Layla's new life, come new friendships, including Michael Bender, a single dad. She doesn't trust men but Michael's little girl grabs her by the heart and won't let go.
Shannon Guymon is an Amazon Bestselling Author of lighthearted and clean romance who according to her many fans, has the ability to paint pictures of her characters so real that readers would know them if they saw them walking down the street.

Blog This by Cami Checketts

Devastated by the loss of her brother, Natasha Senecot exposes the dangers of Matthew Chrysler's violent video games, bankrupting and humiliating him. Chrysler sends a hit man after her. In a race against time, can Natasha expose Chrysler before his assassin murders her family and shatters her world?
Bestselling author Cami Checketts has been touted as, "A genius! She writes about topics that aren't widely discussed, and she does such a brilliant job of crafting these things into wonderful stories that touch your heart and remain with you for days afterwards."

Monday, March 17, 2014

Cover Reveal - Breathtaking

Only $.99 March 24-29

I'm so thrilled to be part of this boxed set of bestselling love and suspense novels. The official release date is March 24th and the entire set will be only $.99 until March 29th. I calculated a savings of $34.93! I'm so excited! These are amazing authors. The boxed set will be available at many ebook retailers on the 24th.

We are giving away 2 Kindles!! The first one is available via the rafflecopter below. The 2nd is available only to bloggers who post about this giveaway. You can find info on how to enter in the rafflecopter.