Books and Other Spells: Shirleen Davies

Monday, April 28, 2014

Week Blitz: Deadlier Than the Rest by Shirleen Davies Excerpt & Giveaway

Deadlier Than the Rest - Week Blitz

By Shirleen Davies

Historical Western Romance

Date Published: March 3, 2014

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“A passionate, heartwarming story of the iconic MacLarens of Fire Mountain. This captivating historical western romance grabs your attention from the start with an engrossing story encompassing two romances set against the rugged backdrop of the burgeoning western frontier.”

Connor MacLaren’s search has already stolen eight years of his life. Now he close to finding what he seeks—Meggie, his missing sister. His quest leads him to the growing city of Salt Lake and an encounter with the most captivating woman he has ever met.

Grace is the third wife of a Mormon farmer, forced into a life far different from what she’d have chosen. Her independent spirit longs for choices governed only by her own heart and mind. To achieve her dreams, she must hide behind secrets and half-truths, even as her heart pulls her towards the ruggedly handsome Connor.

Known as cool and uncompromising, Connor MacLaren lives by a few, firm rules that have served him well and kept him alive. However, danger stalks Connor, even to the front range of the beautiful Wasatch Mountains, threatening those he cares about and impacting his ability to find his sister.

Can Connor protect himself from those who seek his death? Will his eight year search lead him to his sister while unlocking the secrets he knows are held tight within Grace, the woman who has captured his heart?

Read this heartening story of duty, honor, passion, and love in book five of the MacLarens of Fire Mountain series.

EXCERPT

Connor followed her up the narrow steps to her place, carrying her small bag, and set it down on the floor inside.

“You going to be okay here tonight?”

She slipped off her coat and hung it on a nearby hook. Grace wanted to be alone but didn’t want him to leave. Her heart told her to walk up to him, lace her arms around his neck, and ask him to stay. She shouldn’t. She was still married and it would be wrong, even if her marriage was a mockery. She planned to obtain a divorce, which was simple to do in Utah. The laws were lenient and divorce common with people coming from other states to take advantage of the quick dissolution procedures. She simply hadn’t had time to do it with work and planning how she was going to free Meggie.

Grace walked to a window and stared at the dark sky, deciding what to do. She needed to tell him about Moser but the words wouldn’t form. Say something tonight, or let him leave—she was conflicted. She continued to look out when she sensed him walk up behind her, felt his strong arms wrap around her waist, and draw her flush against his chest.

He pulled loose strands of hair away from her neck, bending to place kisses up to the tender spot behind her ear. “Ask me to stay,” he whispered before tugging a sensitive earlobe with his lips. She sagged against him, letting her head fall back against his chest and giving him access to the soft column of her neck.

Shirleen Davies

I have been writing most of my life, but only recently began the transition into fiction. Historical romance, contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and short stories are what keep me reading, so that is the focus of my writing.

I was born in California, grew up between a growing beach town and a small town at the base of the San Bernardino mountains. My mother originally planned to name me Katherine, but she read an article in the paper about a woman named Shirleen shortly before my birth, so instead of having a cool nickname, like Kate, I am simply Shirleen. My mainstays growing up were all the Nancy Drew mystery books; I loved them. Eventually I moved on to mysteries, suspense stories, crime novels, and romance. Pride and Prejudice will always be one of my favorites.

Besides California, life changes have allowed me to live in Oregon, Colorado, and Arizona. Everywhere I have lived has been inspirational in one way or another, giving me the opportunity to meet remarkable people with their own stories to tell. I've sailed, skied, owned horses plus lots of other animals, and ridden various off-road vehicles. I enjoy dancing, fishing, hunting, being the back-seater on my husband's Harley, traveling and, of course, reading and writing.

Prior to transitioning to writing fiction, I worked for Fortune 500 and many smaller, start-up companies. Fortunately, I regained my sanity long enough to start my own consulting firm, which I still maintain today.

My husband and I spend most of our time at our main home in the mountains of Arizona and our second home in Southern California. Between us we have five boys with growing careers and families of their own. So, from my perspective, my life is a success and always an adventure. I wouldn't change a thing; well, except finding more time to write.

I love hearing from readers, so please feel free to email me at shirleen@shirleendavies.com.

Author Links

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Blog | Goodreads

Buy Link

Amazon

Giveaway

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Saturday, March 15, 2014

Week Blitz: Second Summer by Shirleen Davies Teasers & Giveaway

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Second Summer - Week Blitz

By Shirleen Davies

Contemporary Western Romance

Date Published: TBD

Second Summer – Book One in the MacLarens of Fire Mountain Contemporary Romance Novella Series.

In this passionate Contemporary Romance, author Shirleen Davies introduces her readers to the modern day MacLarens starting with Heath MacLaren, the head of the family. The Chairman of both the MacLaren Cattle Co. and MacLaren Land Development, he is a success professionally—his personal life is another matter.

Following a divorce after a long, loveless marriage Heath spends his time with women who are beautiful and passionate, yet unable to provide what he longs for . . .

Heath has never experienced love even though he witnesses it every day between his younger brother, Jace, and wife, Caroline. He wants what they have yet spends his time with women too young to understand what drives him and too focused on themselves to be true companions.

It’s been two years since Annie’s husband died, leaving her to build a new life. He was her soul-mate and confidante, she has no desire to find a replacement, yet longs for male friendship . . .

Annie’s closest friend in Fire Mountain, Caroline MacLaren, is determined to see Annie come out of her shell after almost two years of mourning. A chance meeting with Heath turns into an offer to be a part of the MacLaren Foundation Board and an opportunity for a life outside her home sanctuary which has also become her prison. The platonic friendship that builds between Annie and Heath points to a future where each may rely on the other without the bonds a romance would entail.

However, without consciously seeking it, each yearns for more . . .

The MacLaren Development Company is booming with Heath at the helm. His meetings at a partner company with the young, beautiful marketing director, who makes no secret of her desire for him, are a temptation. But is she the type of woman he truly wants?

Annie’s acceptance of the deep, yet passionless, friendship with Heath sustains her, lulling her to believe it is all she needs. At least until Heath drops a bombshell, forcing Annie to realize that what she took for friendship is actually a deep, lasting love. One she doesn’t want to lose.

Each must decide to settle—or fight for it all.

Second Summer is the first book in the MacLarens of Fire Mountain Contemporary novella series—heartwarming stories of difficult choices, loyalty, and lasting romance. Watch for Hard Landing in the Spring of 2014.

TEASERS

Book Excerpt 1:

“Well, not really. It doesn’t matter anyway.” The room felt hot. She’d have to check to see if Eric had changed the setting.

“Why’s that?”

“I called it off with him tonight. That’s why I drove out to see you, to let you know.” Annie moved into the family room, trying to create some distance.

“So, it’s just you and me now, Annie. No doctor and no one else, right?”

“No, no one else.” She’d backed up against a wall. Heath now stood not a foot away. “I don’t understand what you want from me,” she whispered.

He took another step forward, placing his hands against the wall on either side of her. “Oh, I think you do.”

Book Excerpt 2:

Annie looked behind Heath to see Diana in an almost there outfit, barefoot, and holding a bottle of wine in one hand.

Reality dawned like a sledgehammer to her solar plexus. The intense pain almost doubled her over. She stepped back from the door.

“I, uh, I guess this is a bad…” she couldn’t even get it out before she turned and ran. Tears already filled her eyes, blurring her vision.

“Annie wait! Don’t leave, please!”

She could barely hear his voice. The ringing in her ears made it sound as if she were in a tunnel. Her head began to spin as she opened the car door to climb behind the wheel. She fumbled with her keys. She looked up to see Heath dashing outside. He’d grabbed a shirt and was buttoning it as he made his way to her car.

“Annie! Don’t go. Let me explain.”

Book Excerpt 3:

So this was Heath, Annie thought. Caroline hadn’t told her too much about him, but had always warned her away. His situation was complicated Caroline had said. She had told Annie he’d been married for a long time to a woman he’d met in high school. Annie assumed it was the standard marriage of high-school sweethearts gone wrong as the two matured, but Caroline had almost snorted when Annie had used that phrase. She knew he had a reputation for being seen with a different woman at each event he attended, even if all were stunning, tall, and, according to Caroline, ten to fifteen years his junior. At least now she had a face to put with a name.

Shirleen Davies