Rookie Season by V.K. Robbins Excerpt & Giveaway

BLURB:

Talented young ballplayer Clay Love has just been called up from the minors to play major league baseball. Freelance writer and divorcée Rose Lasting, the world's biggest baseball fan, wasn't expecting to fall in love when she fell into Clay's arms, but fall in love she did. Now they are caught up in a whirlwind romance complicated by the paparazzi, Clay's ex-girlfriend, Rose's ex-husband, and a stalker who puts Rose's life in grave danger. Saving her life and catching her attacker takes you on a roller coaster of emotion and intrigue that you won't soon forget.

Rookie Season is the first book in the Love in the Ballpark Series, by V.K. Robbins. This adult erotic romance tale sizzles with romantic and sexual chemistry, emotion, and suspense. Once you start reading, you won't be able to put it down.

EXCERPT:

Steve, Joe, Dave and I were waiting in the living room. I called up to Sam several times. He didn’t answer.

“He’s probably having trouble deciding which Clay Love jersey to wear,” Dave joked.

I ran up the stairs and knocked on his door. “Sam?”

No answer.

I turned the doorknob and pushed the door open slowly.

“Sam, are you ready?”

Still no answer.

I walked through his room toward his bathroom. When I came around the other side of his bed, I saw him. He was laying on the floor unconscious.

I screamed, “Call 911! It’s Sam!”

In less than two seconds, Steve was in the room. He must have taken the stairs three at a time. He pushed me out of the way and knelt next to Sam, checking his pulse, listening for breathing.

“He’s alive! Let’s not wait for an ambulance. We can get him there faster.”

“No,” said. “The hospital is close. The ambulance is probably already here.”

I was right. Within a couple of minutes, the paramedics were lifting Sam onto a gurney. Dave and Morrison held the photographers back so the paramedics could get Sam to the ambulance.

Steve took my arm. “Come on, I’ll take you to the hospital.” Then he looked at Joe. “Do you have that paperwork?” Joe nodded. I had no idea what paperwork they were talking about, but I didn’t care. I just wanted to get in the car and get to the hospital as fast as possible. Joe and Steve got me into the car. Dave was going to watch the house and Morrison would be following to the hospital in another car to help with security there, if needed.

All I could think about was Sam.

In the car, I asked Steve, “How long was it since anybody saw him? How long could he have been lying there?”

“I don’t know,” Steve said.

“I saw him several hours ago, right after lunch. He said he was tired. He was going upstairs to rest.”

“So he could have been there for hours? Oh my god.” I put my head in my hands.

“There’s something I need to tell you.”

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Veronica Robbins is a published author of both fiction and nonfiction who has been writing professionally for the last 20 years. In addition to writing fiction and poetry (her first love), she is also an expert grant writer and copy writer.  When she's not writing, she's watching baseball, enjoying her children, reading, and trying to train her dog, Handsome, who so far has been very successful at training her. You can follow Veronica on Facebook or through her blog, A Writer's Journey.

Blog/website:  http://veronicarobbins.com

Facebook:       http://www.facebook.com/veronica.robbins

Twitter:            http://twitter.com/veronicarobbins

Goodreads:     http://www.goodreads.com/veronicarobbins

Instagram:       http://instagram.com/grantgoddess/

Pinterest:         http://www.pinterest.com/veronicarobbins/

Google +:         http://google.com/+VeronicaRobbins50

Tumblr:            http://veronicarobbins.tumblr.com

Buy links: 

Amazon:          http://www.amazon.com/Rookie-Season-Love-Ballpark-Book-ebook/dp/B00R6G2I6U/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1419467289&sr=8-4&keywords=Rookie+season

B&N:                http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rookie-season-veronica-robbins/1120940243?ean=2940046470000

Kobo:               http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/rookie-season

Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/502725

GIVEAWAY:
$25 Amazon/BN GC. The more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here: 

http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2015/01/book-blast-rookie-season-by-vk-robbins.html

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Don't Say No by Naomi Bellina Graffiti & Giveaway

BLURB:

Mixing business with pleasure has never been so much fun.

Amber’s life sucks. Her ex got her thrown out of college, then fired from her job. When she’s hired for a mystery shopping assignment, she hopes this is exactly what she needs to kick-start her life and get her back on track.

Jaeger is all business when he hires Amber to check out the spa he’s purchasing. If she can help him prove that the venture will be a success, then he can build his own future, not the one his family has mapped out for him. Becoming attracted to his sexy spy isn’t part of the plan.

Amber can’t see how she fits into Jaeger’s world, and he’s too uptight to ever fit into hers. Circumstances bring them together, in bed and out, but when a secret from his upper-class life is revealed, Amber must decide if she can trust him. Or is her life going down in flames all over again?

Graffiti:  A great way to decorate!

There's a scene in Don’t Say No about graffiti. Some time ago, I'd read a fiction book about graffiti artists, or 'taggers' and it captured my attention, so I wanted to learn more. I sat down with a cup of coffee and cruised the Internet. Did I find a ton of information! Who knew graffiti was so popular? Look at this tribute to fifty beautiful examples at Smashing Magazine that portrays graffiti as art. Then check out the examples shown here by female street artists. How cool would that be, to have buildings everywhere painted with artwork? I started thinking, maybe I could talk my landlord into jazzing up the building where I work. He should have no problem with that, right?

If I did decide to decorate the outside of my shop, how would I go about finding a graffiti artist? An Internet search brought up lots of Facebook pages, a Tumblr page, and many more sites all over the world. Not too many in my area, but I'm sure I could hunt one down, possibly listing themselves as a mural artist. Next, I'd have to decide what image I want. I do massage therapy, so something relaxing, like an oasis would be best. No wait, I'm partial to mountains, so I think I'd have to go with that. Or animals. Love those cats and dogs, wolves, big cats….do you think a picture of a large black panther on my wall would scare clients away? Maybe I'd better rethink that one.

Beautiful as it is, sometimes the pictures are done without permission. In Don't Say No, unwelcome graffiti is painted all over the outside of the Bella Sun spa on grand opening day by a vindictive ex-employee. Curse words, not beautiful pictures. My hero and heroine come up with a creative solution to solve the problem. That's why I love them both!

Have you ever seen graffiti that you'd like painted on your walls? Ever painted something wild and crazy yourself? Thanks so much for reading. I hope you enjoy Don't Say No.

EXCERPT:

Her phone rang, and she moaned. What the hell was the matter with that man?

“What? I'm tired. Leave me alone.”

“Just talk to me for a minute. What did you find out?” he asked.

“I found out doing laundry all day sucks and makes you want to come home and lie on your bed in your underwear. Oh, something else startling. Nobody likes to work for a living. Ha-ha!”

There was a moment of silence.

“Are you okay?” Jaeger asked.

She sighed. “I'm fine, just really tired. The good news—no one talked too much trash about the spa, but they don't like Carla and they're not really happy. Not having a lot of fun at work.”

“That's why they call it work. It's not supposed to be fun.”

“It could be. It should be. Why not? I bet the clients would enjoy their visits more if the spa girls were happier. The employees would get bigger tips, which would encourage them to work harder. Everyone's just kind of doing their job, not putting any love into it, you know?”

Jaeger laughed softly, a warm, sexy sound that slid through her senses like water flowing in a stream. A pang of desire shot through her, and her nipples tightened.

“So that's what they should be doing, putting love into the job?”

“Yeah, they should. Are you making fun of me?”

“No, not at all. In fact, I kind of like that expression.”

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

I love spas! Even as an employee at several, I've always enjoyed the relaxing, pampering atmosphere in a place that's designed to be all about feeling good. This book is a work of fiction and most of the craziness that went on at Bella Sun doesn't really happen at spas. Mostly. I like to think there's always a romance or two going on behind the scenes. I've also been a mystery shopper, though I never received spa treatments on any of my assignments. Some girls have all the luck!

I hope this book encouraged you to not only search for your own true love, but to follow your dreams, no matter how many setbacks you encounter.

Website: http://www.naomibellina.com/

Reader Email: naomibellina@live.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheGoddessNaomi

Buy Links:

B/N:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dont-say-no-naomi-bellina/1120749253?ean=2940150444966

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Dont-Say-No-Naomi-Bellina-ebook/dp/B00PMKZPGC

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/493438

GIVEAWAY:
Naomi will be awarding a $15 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour, and a $15 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn host. the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here: 

http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2014/12/vbt-dont-say-no-by-naomi-bellina.html

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2014 Christmas Collection Excerpt & Giveaway

BLURB:

Seven complete sweet to sensual romances from seven multi-talented authors in settings that are sure to be magical this holiday season. There's a story for everyone.

A SEASON OF MIRACLES by Linda Swift

Caroline Ross, a Confederate widow, desperately seeks medical help for her little son in the Union Army camp.

John Oldham, a soldier disowned by his family for choosing the wrong side, comes to her aid. As they keep a vigil for days at Danny's bedside, a close relationship develops between them. John longs for a family and wants to make Caroline and Danny his own.

Will his wish come true in this season of miracles?

AT FIRST SNOWFALL by Cecilia Corona

May all your dreams come true, takes on a whole new meaning when Xiomara finds out she's an Oracle with Fae witch powers, and her boyfriend is a werewolf from another realm.

When her half- brother shows up on her doorstep with his prophecy, the true nightmare begins. She must stand beside him in the battle of Galant or the evil Queen will destroy the kingdom.

Some faerytales are all too real, but if she can unleash her powers and learn to control them before the first snowfall, she just might find her happily ever after.

MR. CHRISTMAS ELF by Stephanie Burkhart

Jules' Christmas list is looking pretty pathetic. She needs a new muffler for her car and a hundred dollars to pay off her root canal. Her niece is asking for an iPad, but all Jules can afford is a Barbie doll. The peppermint on the top? Her boyfriend dumps her in a text message.

Jules could use a little Christmas magic, so when Elvis pops up claiming that he was sent by Santa to fill her Christmas list, all she has to do is believe – in the magic the season has to offer.

ALL THAT WE HAVE IS OUR SOUL by Katrina Gillian

The wait is finally over. Today is Theodore Lewis' 18th birthday and his essence has switched places with his soulmate for the day. His people have practiced this tradition for centuries. They are granted the chance to see the world through each other's eyes before actually meeting.

Only the Fates may have missed their mark. Theo's life is in 1940 and his soulmate is in 2014. This couldn't be happening. Is he doomed to never be with his soulmate, or will the Fates find a way to make this right?

CHRISTMAS TEARS by Rebecca J. Vickery

What's a widowed mother to do with two children to provide for and Christmas coming soon? Noelle Welborn is in dire straits when she loses her job, is cheated out of her pay, and has no relatives to which she can turn. Then they lose the roof over their heads. Sleeping in the car seems the only option left.

Officer Nick Stewart stops when he spies a familiar looking car parked in a church parking lot late one night. Sure enough, she's the same pixie-faced woman he warned before. When he discovers she has kids asleep in the car, he insists she park in his yard or go to the police station with him.

But what about the next night, and the next?

ROOM AT THE INN by Nan O'Berry

Welcome to Magic Hallow, Pennsylvania. On the day before Christmas Eve, Helena McCray finds herself driving from New York to Washington, D.C. with a car load of Felicity Adams designs. She wasn't expecting the storm of the century to send her car careening off the road. Rescued by James Buchannan, she is taken to a grand old Victorian he has been fixing up as a bed and breakfast.

Gift of the Magi has been handed down in James Buchannan's family since his great, great, grandfather brought his Russian bride home from Europe. But the Magi is a secret place where James can hide from the world. Helena McCray slowly melts his heart and together they find out the magic of the inn could be in opening their hearts to a new beginning.

BLAME THE MISTLETOE by Markee Anderson

Do you believe in love at first sight? Or love after a kiss under the mistletoe? Neither did Tasha or Cal...

Tasha Adams owns a bakery and catering shop after losing her nursing career. Lack of confidence and low self-esteem make her an almost hermit, especially during the holidays.

Calvin Miller, busy doctor and bachelor, receives a sudden and unexpected visit from his young niece and nephew for the holidays. There go his work plans.

Then a fateful collision on a staircase changes all their lives.

EXCERPT:

MR. CHRISTMAS ELF

The bus slid up to the stop near the coffee shop. I hustled out the door and rushed toward the store, noticing a guy reading the letters to Santa in the window. There were five minutes 'til opening. I didn't want to disappoint Joe again by being late, so I broke into a trot – and slipped on a hunk of ice. The sidewalk was coming up fast, but I fell into the arms of the letter reader.

He smiled one of the most adorable smiles I've ever seen and a cute little dimple popped out in his cheek. "You smell like peppermint," he said.

I opened my mouth, stammered like an idiot, and shut up. Mr. Dimple held me close. I didn't want to move. He owned a very solid body, with unkempt, curly, sandy blond hair that covered his ears and ice blue eyes that pierced my soul. I melted like a snowman in June.

"I'm Elvis."

"Hi, Elvis." I managed to squeak.

He chuckled and helped me to firm footing on the ground. "And you are?"

"Julie Erwin, but everyone calls me Jules."

"So, you're the one with the depressing Christmas list."

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

LINDA SWIFT

Linda Swift divides her time between her native state of Kentucky and Florida. She is an award-winning author of published poetry, articles, short stories, and a TV play. Linda holds an Education Specialist Degree from Murray State University with post-graduate work from U. of Alabama and was a teacher, counselor, and psychometrist in the public schools in three states.

Linda's first two books were published by Kensington. She currently has twelve E-books (also in print) and seven short stories available at Amazon and other distributors. Her Civil War novel, This Time Forever, has been adapted for a short film titled Clarissa's War which will soon be available through Vimeo.

Visit her website at http://www.lindaswift.net

CECILIA CORONA

Cecilia Corona is a massage therapist by day and enjoys the adventures of writing by night. When she's not sitting at her computer plotting her next tale, she's enjoying the Southern California weather. She loves movies, animals of all kinds, especially her three dogs, and she's a big fan of mermaids. When she was young and saw the movie Splash for the first time, she believed sprinkling salt in the bathtub would magically allow her to grow a tail. She was sadly disappointed when the experiment didn't work. If she can't be a mermaid, then maybe she'll just have to write about them.

You can visit Cecilia at: http://authorceciliacorona.blogspot.com/

STEPHANIE BURKHART

Stephanie Burkhart is a 911 dispatcher for the Los Angeles Police Department. She served in the U.S. Army between 1986-1997 in the Military Police Corps. Raised in New Hampshire, she now makes her home in Castaic, CA. Stephanie adores chocolate, enjoys coffee and participated in the Walk to End Alzheimer's held in Santa Clarita, CA on 20 Sep 2014. She writes romance and children's stories. Stephanie is published with Victory Tales Press, Desert Breeze Publishing, and 4RV Publishing.

Visit Stephanie's website at: http://www.stephanieburkhart.com

KATRINA GILLIAN

Katrina Gillian is a big fan of Marvel comic books and superheroes. Only a real man would dare to wear tights when facing down the bad guy. Gotta love that!

When she isn't thinking of ways to take down Hydra, she creates pre-made book covers at: Gillian's Book Covers, "Judge Your Book By Its Cover". You can also check out her published cover art designs at Western Trail Blazer and Rebecca J. Vickery Publishing. All That You Have is Your Soul is her debut story with Victory Tales Press.

Visit the author at: http://katrinagillian.blogspot.com

 http://judgeyourbookbyitscover.blogspot.com/

REBECCA J. VICKERY

Rebecca J. Vickery has been married to the same very patient man for quite a while now. She has one son, a special daughter-in-law, and three wonderful grandchildren.

She lives in South Carolina, USA, and slips away to go camping at Myrtle Beach whenever possible. Long walks on the beach help her to unwind and often ignite her imagination with new stories.

She enjoys the challenge of adding a special twist to her stories of romance. Usually they involve the paranormal, mystery, adventure, suspense, or a bit of fantasy along the way to a happy ever after ending.

Recently Mrs. Vickery has branched out into speculative fiction and has several short stories published in that genre. She owns Publishing by Rebecca J. Vickery, a small independent company, and also Victory Tales Press, where invited authors share their stories in various anthologies.

You may visit Rebecca at these sites online: www.rebeccajvickeryauthor.com

 www.rebeccajvickery.com

 www.victorytalespress.com

She loves to hear from readers and fellow authors.

NAN O'BERRY

Nan O'Berry lives on a small farm in Western Tidewater with her family and pets including a Black Angus cow named Esmeralda. A graduate of Old Dominion University with a degree in education, she taught elementary school for several years before turning her attention to writing romance. She loves hearing from readers.

Please feel free to contact her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Nancy-OBerry-Romance-Author/161753103856411

or at her website: http://oberrynan.wix.com/nanoberryauthor

MARKEE ANDERSON

Markee Anderson resides with her husband, three older children, and various pets in Wisconsin.

See more information at www.markeeanderson.com and more information about her other pen names at www.sweettalebooks.com.

BUY LINKS:

AMAZON EBOOK:  http://amzn.com/B00PRQ5PUM

SMASHWORDS: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/494101

  

GIVEAWAY:
Stephanie will be awarding a $25 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.  the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here: 

http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2014/12/book-blast-christmas-collection-by.html

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Hearts on Fire by Alison Packard Cover Reveal & Giveaway

This post is part of a virtual book tour revealing the cover of Alison Packard's newest book Hearts on Fire which will be released on February 3. One randomly drawn commenter via Rafflecopter will receive a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble gift card. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Country music star Jessie Grant has it all. An amazing voice, a string of multi-platinum albums, and a sold-out concert tour. But just before her Hearts on Fire tour rolls into Las Vegas, her lead guitarist is badly injured and is unable to play. Desperate to find a replacement before the night of a televised live show, Jessie is forced to accept help from the last person on earth she wants to see again.

Drew Carmichael has earned a well-deserved reputation as one of the best up-and-coming musicians in Nashville, without cashing in on his renowned father’s name. When Jessie’s manager calls and asks him to fill in for her band’s injured guitar player, he agrees to help Jessie out even though she cut him out of her life four months ago.

In Sin City, sparks fly between Jessie and Drew, and it isn’t long before they give in to their mutual attraction. But when the dark past Jessie has successfully hidden for ten years explodes in the media, their tenuous bond is put to the test, and both Jessie and Drew must learn to trust each other if they don’t want their newfound romantic relationship to go up in flames.

Enjoy an excerpt:

As if sensing she was being watched, she turned and their gazes collided across the stage. Her smile faltered as the seconds ticked by. She remained rooted to the spot, so he moved forward. One of them had to make the first move; it looked like it would be him.

“Hey,” he said as he halted in front of her.

She thanked the roadie, who smiled and left them to attend to Tara and Renee.

“Hello,” she replied, her tone formal and her eyes guarded. “Thank you for agreeing to help us out.”

“You’re welcome.” He rested his arm along the top of his favorite guitar, a Fender Strat that he’d bought when he was sixteen, after years of saving his allowance and hoarding the money he’d earned doing odd jobs around town.

Although his father had made good money and left them fairly well-off after he died, his mom always believed that he should learn the value of money. It was a lesson he’d learned well, and to this day, he hadn’t touched one dollar of the money his father had left him. He wanted to make something of himself on his own terms, not because he had connections or an inheritance.

“Wally gave me the set list yesterday. It looks like it’s pretty much the same as before,” he said, after an uncomfortable silence.

“For the most part.” Jessie tucked a strand of dark hair behind her ear. “The only difference is, I’ve changed up the order so that some of my older stuff is sprinkled throughout the set. Works better that way.”

He nodded. “So what the hell happened to Kenny? Wally said he broke his arm?”

Jessie rolled her eyes. “The damn fool decided to take a swan dive off the stage, and because he’d had a couple of fireballs before the show, he miscalculated how close the audience was to the stage and fell smack dab onto the concrete floor.”

Drew gasped, equally shocked and amused at the picture she’d painted. “Jesus. Are you serious?”

Her lips curved upwards with a ghost of a smile. It was something, even if it wasn’t the usual mega-watt smile she gave him when they used to hang out together. “It’s true. I couldn’t make something like that up. Broke his arm in two places.”

“Ouch.” He winced, thinking of the pain Kenny must have been in. “So he’ll be laid up for a while?”

“Looks like it,” she said. Then, without warning, her tone turned frosty again, and the laughter vanished from her eyes. “Well, we should get started. Do you feel comfortable with all the songs?”

“Yeah. I could do them in my sleep,” he said, then frowned. “Did that sound cocky?”

“No. Just confident.” Her unreadable eyes roamed over his face. “Wally wants us to do a duet.”

“I know.”

He’d taken a look at the sheet music and recognized the song immediately. Anybody who’d ever attended a wedding in the last twenty years would probably be aware of the hit ballad that was popular in the early ‘80s. It was a nice song, and one that would suit his and Jessie’s harmonies to a tee.

“I’m not sold on the idea, but he seems to think it’ll be good for the CMT taping.”

“Whatever you decide is fine with me.” He brushed his hair back from his eyes and held her gaze. “I miss talking to you, Jessie,” he said, unable to stop himself.

Her eyes flickered with some unknown emotion, which vanished as quickly as it came.

“We should get to work. Time’s a wastin’.” And with that, she turned her back on him, moved to the center mic near the front of the stage and never looked back.

About the Author:

Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Alison now lives in Southern Nevada where she’s still getting used to the blistering summers and the slot machines in every grocery store.

When not working at the day job that pays the bills, keeps a roof over her head, and supports her book and chocolate habits, Alison spends most of her free time writing. But when she takes a break, she enjoys reading, watching movies, and spending time with her family and friends.

Website: http://alisonpackard.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Alison-Packard-Author/368976796492227?ref=hl
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Alleyfics
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Alison-Packard/e/B009JG39XQ/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_4?qid=1419875275&sr=8-4
Barnes and Noble Author Page: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/alison-packard

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