Featured October Release - Tombstone Treasures Book II, First Love by Michelle Sutton

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Josiah and Tara had enjoyed acting in their high school plays. They had also been each other's first lover... in fact; most of the time they'd spent together had been in Tara's bed. When Josiah became a Christian, he left Tara to go to college and didn't look back.

Four years later, Josiah is back in town when his father has a near-fatal heart attack. When they meet up again they realize how much their separation had hurt each of them. But now Tara is a Christian and is trying to live a life that is pleasing to God.

Josiah wants Tara back, but neither knows how to relate to each other without the physical intimacy they once shared. They are determined to do things right this time, but find it more challenging than they'd anticipated.

EXCERPT:
She hated to spell it out for him, but it seemed necessary to prevent him from getting the wrong idea. "You're here for a haircut. Don't expect more."

Raising his hands in mock surrender, Josiah chuckled, "Whoa, there. I didn't mean anything by it, I swear."

"Good." Grabbing the black cloth to drape over his shirt, she flipped it open and then pointed to the chair. He sat and she tied it around his neck, a stress headache creeping into her head. Irritation shredded her nerves. Rather than sitting, he peered at her with an incredulous look in his eyes.

"Come on," she winced and touched her forehead. "I don't have much time."

"Aren't you gonna..." Josiah pointed at his hair and nodded toward the sink.

"No." She snapped the cloth again. "Just sit."

"But, that's the best part." Ruffling his hair with both hands, he sighed. "All right, but my hair is sweaty and dusty. I think it'll be easier to cut if it's clean first. I'll even pay you extra."

Did he think he could buy her forgiveness?

But he did have a point. Taking in the faint cloud of dust forming beside his head as he ruffled his hair, Tara sighed. She rolled her eyes and pointed at the sink with her elbow. "All right, all right. Just hurry up. I need to get home."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Michelle Sutton, otherwise known as the Edgy Inspirational Author, is a member of ACFW, a prolific reader/book reviewer/blogger, and the author of over a dozen novels.



She lives in Arizona with her husband of twnety years and her two teenaged sons.

Desert Breeze congratulates Michelle on her latest release.

Featured October Release - Beloved Captive by Melanie Atkins

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Detective Kevin Jacobs believes integrity is the most important trait a cop can possess, until a beautiful doctor accuses him of murder and he's forced to take her hostage in order to clear his name. Rebecca Daniels cooperates with Kevin, and soon finds herself in a fight for her very life -- and also for her heart.

EXCERPT:

He gritted his teeth. "We're going to get up together and you won't make a sound. Got that?"

She didn't answer. Didn't move, didn't breathe. Silence filled the space around them so completely Kevin forgot to breathe, too. When he did, he drew in the bitter tang of blood. The coppery scent caught in his throat.

He gripped the back of her neck and squeezed, careful to keep his fingernails from digging into her tender skin. "You hear me?"

She nodded slowly, and a lone tear dripped down her cheek. Her pulse skittered wildly beneath his hand.

He tamped down the urge to be gentle with her slender, quivering body. He needed her to fear him so she wouldn't cause a commotion as they left the courthouse. How he'd get away without leaving a trail of blood, he didn't know. But he had to try, and she was his best hope.

"Get up." He rose and pulled her with him.

She held herself rigid. He turned her around. The light hit her face and he reeled from the animosity written there. Her eyes were the color of a clear summer sky. They snapped with rage.

"You killed Judge Boykin." Her sharp words made him blanch.

He tightened his grip on her arm. "It wasn't me."

"Oh, no? I saw you." Her accusing gaze slid down his black-clad body and he suddenly realized he and Fowler could be mistaken for twins -- except for the blood now soaking his clothes.

She tried to wriggle free, but he held her fast.

"I can't let you go. I need your help."

"Are you crazy?" She gaped at him.

He fought off a wave of dizziness. "I have to get out of here. I'm losing blood fast."

She looked at his side and her eyes widened. "Oh, my God."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Melanie Atkins a multi-published author of romantic suspense, a fan of crime dramas, and an avid reader. Writing is more than an escape for her -- it's a way of life. She grew up in the Deep South listening to tall tales and penning stories about her cats. Now she writes gripping stories of love, suspense, and mystery with the help of her furry little feline muses.

Desert Breeze congratulates Melanie on her latest release.

Featured October Release - Wagon Days by Gerrie Ferris

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Engaged to charming Jack Rhodes, Laura Kate O'Connell, horsewoman and former reporter, finds herself mixed up in murder when she fills in for a missing hunting guide. While she figures out when to marry Jack, she must learn who among the list of suspects is a murderer. Is it a U.S. senator up for re-election, or the oil billionaire who is under investigation? What about the U.S. ambassador to several European countries, or the food network chef, or the popular radio talk show host?

Ambassador Bede Wickersham's hunting plantation, Beaver Ruin, is besieged at the gates by People United for Animals. He hosts the rich, famous and powerful at his hundred-thousand-dollar a week quail hunts. His second wife, Zoila, from Spain, and her younger brother bring their sizzling Spanish attitudes to the hunt. Lise, the ambassador's bed-hopping daughter brings her hatred for her father to the hunt, too.

With the help of a German Shorthair Pointer, Henk, Laura Kate goes after the murderer at the risk of her own life.

*******

EXCERPT:
Bede Wickersham considered himself one lucky man. The first day of quail season had gone particularly well. Particularly well, indeed, since one of his guides had gone missing and he'd found a more than adequate replacement. Holding his frozen Jewel of Russia cocktail, he watched Laura Kate cut through the dozen or so men in the Grand Foyer. Laura Kate's chestnut hair swayed to the graceful rhythm of her stride as men quieted and smiled in her wake. Bede knew what was in each man's mind. Certainly they appreciated her slimness in a plain blue wool dress, just as they basked in her sapphire glance when it met theirs. Freckles sprinkled her tanned cheeks giving her face a tomboy look, but beneath the surface resided a sensuality that lent beauty to her vitality. Bede, like every man in the room, lusted for her.

"Mr. Ambassador," she greeted Bede, holding out a hand.

"Bede, please," he said, stroking her hand with his long fingers. He stood as tall as he could in his elevated shoes. All his life he'd wished for more height, but had to be content with five feet, seven inches. He possessed, however, magisterial bearing. He'd cultivated it in front of mirrors. As was the custom at après hunting cocktail parties, he wore an expensive blue sports jacket and tan wool slacks. His hand went to his throat, that part bared by an open collared shirt. "Those days are long past," he said. "I'm back to being a native good ol' boy."

Widening her beguiling mouth into a grin, Laura Kate withdrew her hand, and he ran his fingers through his white, thick hair and found himself staring into her sparkling eyes.

"Soon you'll be called on again as a special envoy to some hot spot in the world."

"Ah, but that's a short stint, not lasting," he replied.

"I hear you were quite successful this morning and afternoon," she said. "Two shells in the double." She mock loaded a double barrel under-over shotgun and held it to her shoulder. "Bam. A bobwhite drops. Bam. Another."

******

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
I grew up in Missouri, attended the University of Missouri and came South to write for The Atlanta Constitution. My beat was The South. I traveled the Tobacco Roads and the narrow, historic streets of New Orleans. I wrote about Natchez, Mississippi's unique history and Florida's diverse population. I have won numerous journalism awards.


When I retired, I knew I would write crime fiction. I covered crime for the newspaper. Real crime is sordid, with no romance or redeeming features. Justice often doesn't will out. Real people go back to miserable lives. Writing fictional crime gives me the opportunity to remedy that.

In 2000, Writers Showcase published Look Away from Evil.


In 2008, I was a two-time finalist in the St. Martin's Writing Contests: The first Private Eye Novel and the Malice Domestic first traditional contest.

****

Desert Breeze congratulates Gerrie on her latest release!

The Reviews are in!

TEXAS PROMISE
by: Celia Yeary
There are good books, and then there are good books. The ones I’m talking about are the ones that when you reach the last page you feel as though you are losing contact with dear friends. That is how I felt when I finished Celia Yeary’s first book in her Cameron Sisters series, Texas Promise... This is a book I’d describe as a ‘keeper’. It will certainly stay on my e-shelf to be read again in the not too distant future. I will also be keeping my eye out for the sequel...If you have not read Celia Yeary’s books I highly recommend you start now."

Sherry Gloag -- The Heart of Romance Blog

"Texas Promise is the second book that I have read from this author...I love the female characters that this author creates -- they have such determination and strength of character even when all around them seems hopeless... This is the first of two books focusing on the lives and loves of the Cameron sisters. I look forward to revisiting such a rich and vivid setting to see what's in store for Jo's sister True."

Rose Love Western Romances Reviews
Rating = 4 Spurs

***********
PORTRAIT OF MURDER
By: Faye Daniels

This was one fantastic suspense story and I could not put it down. I completed this in one sitting even though it was much too late and my eyesight was blurry but I just couldn't stop reading until I came to the end. I enjoyed everything about this book... This is a must-read for those who enjoy romantic suspense."

Theresa Joseph - The Romance Studio
Rating = 5 Hearts

**********
WHITE TIGER
by: Vijaya Schartz

White Tiger contains an adventurous action filled storyline in a world full of Humans, Godds, Reptoids, and Mutants. The world the author has created is both unique and extremely well constructed creating a feeling that is a little bit science fiction and a touch fantasy-like in nature. The character of Tora is especially well developed and realistic. She is strong, confident, stubborn, and loyal to a fault. Her unique abilities add spice to these personality traits.

Tami Brady, Amazon Reader
5 Stars

Schartz's writing is crisp, original, and filled with creativity. The plot is smooth, action-packed, and moves fast.From the first page to the last, "White Tiger" will take the reader for a breathless ride filled with action, adventure, myths, and love.

Stephanie Burkhart, Author of "The Hungarian"
5 Stars

*****
THE BOREALIS ANTHOLOGY, BOOK 1
by: PI Barrington, J. Morgan, Gail R. Delaney

"Leave it to P.I. Barrington to build a romantic thriller in space. This is an exciting read that keeps you off balance and wondering where the next revelation with happen (Inamorata Crossing...) This is a fun and engaging story and has the tone of a fairy story of old. It is as exciting as you would expect from a science fiction set in space, and the romance warms the heart. J. Morgan has created a fun and eventful story with characters that have sparkling personalities. They are so real it is like losing a friend when the story ends (Kiss me, Kate)... Sarina and Theron are both very strong and likable characters that make you want to cheer them on. Their feelings are deep and leave a lasting tug on your heart ( Forgive Us Our Debts)... Each story is unique to itself but all are set in the same time and place. They are charming stories of love and space, and as each story ends you feel as though you have lost a friend. This is a fast paced and exciting book full of danger and adventure and all brought together by love."

Blog Critics

Author Spotlight week - Excerpt from Texas Promise

"I haven't been there for you, have I, Jo?" he asked in a soft voice, so quiet and sad.

"Oh, Dalton, let's not get into anything serious now. I feel too good this morning, but I do need to go to the bushes, and I need to wash my face. After last night at the creek, I really don't want to go down there alone."

"I'll walk down part way with you. I think it's cleared out because we're here."

Jo stood from her bedroll. Dalton nearly gasped out loud as she removed her pants, so that she only wore the chemise and pantalets. Unperturbed and unembarrassed, she reached for her boots, pulled them on, and walked toward the creek.

What a sight, he thought. Most of her legs showed and the boots came up to mid-calf.

The chemise showed off her pretty, round breasts, and they swayed a little as she walked. Her soft, white arms were exposed, and she swung them as she strode off in front of him. Her round, sweet-looking bottom, outlined to perfection by the sheerness of the fabric, made him want her, just by looking.

By God, he would kill any man who ever touched her besides him.

Celia Yeary-Romance...and a little bit 'o Texas
http://www.celiayeary.blogspot.com
http://www.celiayeary.com
New Releases
Texas Promise-eBook-Desert Breeze Publishing
Making the Turn-print & eBook-Wings ePress

Author Spotlight week - Celia Yeary shares her favorite author

My favorite author’s books are the only ones I collected. Her name is LaVyrle Spencer, and she wrote twenty-two books, and then retired. I ran across one of her books in the early nineties, just as I had discovered romances, and became hooked. For the next few years, I struggled to find all her novels, for they were already ten to fifteen years old when I discovered them.
In recent years, a publisher has re-released all the books with new, more modern covers. I have some of the old ones, mixed with some new ones.

Each novel is vastly different. By that, I mean she didn’t write one genre, but wrote a general kind of story that we probably couldn’t specifically categorize. She writes with an unmatched style, with much angst, longing, and yearning. Her characters are the most unique, yet common people who could easily be real. I have read one several times.

One sentence examples:
A young man who loses his wife, and his two young daughters’ teacher, a young nun who wants to give up her vows, eventually marry.

A bum during the Depression marries a “crazy widow woman” who turns out to be quite sane and provides him with a home and family.

A seamstress with a lame leg works next door to a saloon, and confronts the sexy saloon owner when he tries to hang a painting of a nude woman over the bar.

When her husband dies, a woman in her forties once again becomes involved with her teenage lover, and she is horrified by his drinking, whoring ways. (This is the best of the lot—titled The Hellion.)

Opening lines from: The Hellion:
“It was well know around Russellville, Alabama, that Tommy Lee Gentry drove like a rebellious seventeen-year-old, drank like a parolee fresh out, and whored like a lumberjack at the first spring thaw.”

I recommend reading some of her books and see a master in action.

Celia Yeary-Romance...and a little bit 'o Texas
http://www.celiayeary.blogspot.com
http://www.celiayeary.com
New Releases
Texas Promise-eBook-Desert Breeze Publishing
Making the Turn-print & eBook-Wings ePress

Author Spotlight Week - Celia Yeary shares her favorite movie

I’m not a huge movie fan, and abhor much of the violence, silliness, and downright stupidity of many of today’s movies. Movie-goers do not know what they missed. One wonderful movie they probably missed is PICNIC, a 1955 romance, starring William Holden—a very young, very virile William Holden—lovely Kim Novak, and Cliff Robertson. “Small town lovers who face many complications because of his drifter background and her wealthy important background.”

The plot takes place over a Labor Day weekend. William Holden—Hal—drifts into town riding the rails and looks up a college buddy, Kim Novak’s brother. But Hal never finished college and ended up “no damn good.” But he is good—just misguided and lonely. Kim falls for him, but keeps it to herself, knowing she’d upset everyone in town, especially her parents.

Kim’s brother pretends to welcome Hal, hoping he’ll go away. But Hal ses Madge (Kim) and hangs around, involving himself in the activities of the day—a river parade in which Madge is the queen, a town picnic, and Madge’s family in general.
This move is filled with poignant longings and yearnings, jealousy, hatred, loneliness, embarrassments, angst, and deep sadness and hurt.

A good romance author would recognize the external conflicts, the internal conflicts, and the inappropriate attraction between Hal and Madge. In a confrontation with Madge’s brother, Hal learns he is really despised, and that the family had made a supreme effort to tolerate him. Damaged and devastated, Hal speaks to Madge alone and entices her to run away with him.
I’ve watched this movie numerous times over the years, and if it came on AMC or TCM, I’d drop everything to sit and watch it.


Celia Yeary-Romance...and a little bit 'o Texas

http://www.celiayeary.blogspot.com
http://www.celiayeary.com
New Releases
Texas Promise-eBook-Desert Breeze Publishing
Making the Turn-print & eBook-Wings ePress

Author Spotlight Week - Celia Yeary shares her passion for Westerns

Romance? Didn’t read it. None, zip, nada. Too trite, I’d heard—the novels always ended the same way—happily-ever-after. Same plot, boy meets girl, they fall in love, have a falling-out, make-up, get married. “What’s wrong with that?” I asked a cynical friend who only read literary works.

Then, one day in 1990, I visited a used-book store and bought a paperback by Janet Dailey titled
This Calder Range. I couldn’t put it down. Remember, I love Westerns, and this even had a HEA. I fell in love. I searched the used-book stores and eventually the library until I’d found and read all ten in the Calder series. Her latest, I believe, was released a couple of years ago. From there, I discovered LaVyrle Spencer, a master of romance writing, Dorothy Garlock, Maggie Osborne, Linda Lael Miller, and Jodi Thomas—plus many more. I still search for new authors who write exciting, satisfying Western Romance.

In 2004, I sat down and began to write a story. And yes, it was a Western romance—a historical. Probably I’ll never be in the same category with my favorite authors, but each one has been an inspiration and a benchmark for me.

Why do I write the West? I find it difficult to put into words.
The Last Frontier, perhaps? That’s the name for space exploration and Star Wars.
Romance in Sweeping Vistas with a love story set in a different time, perhaps? That’s how we describe novels set in early Scotland.

The Era of the Strong, Silent type who always gets the girl while he brings justice in full measure, perhaps? That’s how we describe Indiana Jones adventures.


See? I cannot exactly describe my feeling when I begin a new Western Historical novel, either reading one or writing one. Oh! Now I know Why I Write the West! It’s like falling in love.


Celia Yeary-Romance...and a little bit 'o Texas
http://www.celiayeary.blogspot.com
http://www.celiayeary.com
New Releases
Texas Promise-eBook-Desert Breeze Publishing
Making the Turn-print & eBook-Wings ePress

Author Spotlight Week - Q&A with Celia Yeary

I'd like to welcome author Celia Yeary to the blog day. Celia is a dear friend from the Book Spa and I'm tickled pink to have her here today.

STEPH: I don't know much about Texas Promise. Can you tell us a little about the story?

CELIA: It’s the first in a two-book series called “The Cameron Sisters,” which developed from the first novel about their father Jeffrey “Buck” Cameron and their mother, Marilee Weston, titled TEXAS BLUE. In the end of that first novel, there were two daughters—Josie and True. So, I wrote a novel for each of the sisters and the two became The Cameron Sisters: Books I and II.
TEXAS PROMISE tells the story of the older daughter Josephine Cameron who married her childhood sweetheart, Dalton King. But as adults, they don’t get along as well as they did as children, resulting in Dalton leaving after three weeks to join the Texas Rangers. The plot is complicated when he is presumed dead, but returns just as Jo is packing to leave for the New Mexico Territory to meet her birth father.

STEPH: What was in the inspiration for the story?

CELIA: I wanted Jo to meet her wicked birth father, but I needed a way for her to get from Austin, Texas to the wilds of the New Mexico Territory to do so. Also important was for her to marry Dalton, so I made him a Texas Ranger so he could lead her to her father and protect her at the same time. The rigorous journey gave me the opportunity for Jo and Dalton to become reunited and fall in love, for real this time, instead of childhood love.

STEPH: How long have you been writing?

CELIA: About six years. I’m still considered a newbie, I guess, but I’m a fast learner and very motivated when I learn something new. I never wrote a thing in my life before 2004.

STEPH: How do you create your characters? Do you cast them? If so, who are the leads?

CELIA: This question always stumps me. The characters just appear. I can’t explain “creating” them, can you? Sometimes I do cast characters, but not often, and if I do, I don’t remember the actor I used. Dalton is tall, dark, a little somber (unlike his sunny personality as a child), a good man who wants to do the right thing. Jo was an isolated child, which made her a little timid of the outside world. But when she did break out, she blossomed into a courageous, bold, independent woman.

STEPH: What attracts you to writing westerns?

CELIA: So many possibilities to write a story! I can include danger, adventure, hardships, Western vistas, horses, and a way of life that made our country great.

STEPH: How did the story find a home with Desert Breeze?

CELIA: Finding a publisher with an open mind to a two-book series ready to go isn’t as easy as you’d think. I heard “let’s do the first one, then we’ll see about the second one.” I could have gone that way, but I held on to them, and just as I wouldn’t separate sisters, I couldn’t take the chance I might not get the second one with the same publisher. But Desert Breeze stated in the guidelines the exact words I looked for—that they were interested in series, especially if they were fully developed. Yessss!

STEPH: Do you have any hobbies you'd like to share with us?

CELIA: Reading and writing—now—takes up much of my time. Before writing, I learned how to play golf at age 40, and played hard and fast for years. I had to give that up for various reasons, and I cast about looking for something else. In my younger adult years, I did crewel embroidery and created some very pretty things, mostly as gifts. When I tired of that, I made wreaths—for gifts. When I wore that one out, I painted t-shirts—to give away. After that, I made scrapbooks—as gifts! In between all that, I earned two degrees and taught high school biology.

SETPH: What's your favorite place to visit in Texas? A festival? A town? the coast?

CELIA: I have visited all over Texas, and lived in almost every corner. My favorite is Big Bend National Park, and the towns close by—Alpine, Marfa, and Marathon. Very interesting and unique and wild.

STEPH: Fun question: If you were a NASCAR driver, who would you want to sponsor your car?

CELIA: American Airlines and maybe they’d let me always fly First-Class and Free!

Author Spotlight week - Excerpt from Conception

Having Shaw teach me the sword may have been a bad idea. I was alone, in this lovely forest clearing, with the most breathtakingly handsome man I could ever have imagined. The fact that the sun was starting to set certainly didn't help, either. With the light fading and twilight creeping in, the whole scene felt romantic. It was going to be hard to learn when the only thing I could truly concentrate on was him.

"Here," Shaw said, handing me one of two sticks that he broke off of a nearby tree, "we can practice with these."

"A stick? Really?"

A playful grin spread across his face. "Well, it's the safest thing we can use. I wouldn't want you to get hurt."

"Maybe you're afraid I'll hurt you." I joked.

"I doubt it," he laughed, looking me over with a skeptically raised eyebrow.

"Now wait a second, you're the one who thinks I have powers. You should be afraid." I smiled and waved the end of my stick at him.

"Alright, come here," he laughed again, and gestured for me to go to him.

My stomach jumped up into my throat as nervousness flooded my body. I tried to convince myself that I simply wanted to do a good job. That had to be the only reason I was nervous. Trying to control my growing attraction toward Shaw was getting increasingly difficult. I took a tentative step forward. He reached over and took my hand in his. Pulling me ever so gently, he moved me to a spot directly in front of him.

"Stand here with your feet about shoulder width apart. Keep your knees slightly bent." I followed his instructions while reminding myself to breathe. It was a meager attempt to stem my nervousness. My heart pounded like a jackhammer in my chest as he circled around behind me. "The type of sword you use will really dictate your fighting style. I use a broad sword, but something more slender would be better for you. I have a nice rapier sword that I might let you have."

I nodded, very aware of his presence just inches behind me.

"Hold your sword in your right hand."

"You mean stick," I corrected. I hoped that joking would ease my nerves.

"Right, but that stick is a formidable weapon," he agreed with a laugh. The moment of levity felt nice, and my anxiousness eased. Until he touched me.

Placing both of his hands on my waist he moved my body into the proper position. All of my muscles tightened from the contact. Then, one of his hands glided up my body and down my right arm, leaving a tingling trail of heat in its wake. "Don't hold your arm so stiff, you want to have a little bit of give in your elbow."

"Is that better?" I asked, making an adjustment. I tried to look over my shoulder at him, but my thick, wavy hair obstructed my view.

He moved his hand off of my arm. Pushing my hair away from his face, he let it drape down my left shoulder, exposing my bare neck. An electrified chill shot through my body when I felt his warm breath on the skin of my neck. Our eyes met and he smiled at me.

"Yes, that's better," he said, holding my gaze, which only left my eyes for a quick second to look at my mouth before returning to my eyes. A long moment passed. Then he cleared his throat and moved in front of me, "Your left hand can do several different things. If you use a rapier, you won't need to hold it with both hands so your left hand can hold a shield. Or, if you don't have a shield, you should probably keep it behind your back, at least until you're more practiced. This way your opponent can't cut it off."

"Hmm," I snickered, "that would be a sight, 'the one-handed savior'. I doubt Leticia would be afraid of me then."

"Ha!" Shaw exclaimed, "Probably not. Okay, the first move I'm going to show you is a simple defensive counter move. Please keep in mind that this move most likely won't work if you only have one hand, but we'll do the best we can."

I chortled with laughter. "I certainly will try, but it will be hard with this stump." I tucked my left hand inside the sleeve of my shirt and raised my arm to show him. Sure it was juvenile, but I couldn't help myself. I was really enjoying this fun, playful side of Shaw.

"I'm so sorry for your loss," he said with mock concern. He held a serious expression for a moment and then we both broke down with laughter.