A Holiday Treat #MegaSale

This holiday weekend, I have something special for you. My book, The Thick of Things, that was released in March is on sale for a limited time. Also on sale are two anthologies you may be interested in getting for yourself or giving as gifts. They are regularly priced at $4.99. So, go ahead and tread yourself. 

The Thick of Things

Life has a way of going awry when you least expect it, and Khalila Skyers learns this lesson the hard way. In one devastating blow after another, she loses her cosy existence. 

Then Douglas Blythe overtakes her life like a flood, and she's not equipped to deal with an attraction that seems forbidden and overwhelming. But her body and heart want what they want, and leave her wondering if she ever knew herself at all. 

Douglas is determined to help Khalila move beyond her obsession with the past and reach for love a second time. No matter how long it takes. No matter the distance. He’s going to prove he's worth the risk.

Download your copy here http://lrd.to/ttothings

Sugar Anthology

Nine authors, featuring New York Times bestseller, S. L. Jennings, bring the unexpected with unique short stories that are sure to leave a sweet taste on the tip of your tongue. 

Among the delicacies penned by national bestsellers Naleighna Kai, J. D. Mason, Shakir Rashaan, London St. Charles, and also Sierra Kay, Karen D. Bradley, Anita L. Roseboro, and MarZé Scott, are contemporary fiction, suspense, women’s fiction, erotica, and even romance that will warm the heart. This anthology is a perfect blend of authors at the top of their game who have crafted stories that will leave you wanting more. When you’ve satisfied your sweet tooth, venture into our savory anthology entitled Spice featuring national bestselling authors Pat G’Orge Walker, Martha Kennerson, Lisa Watson, Naleighna Kai, and many others.

Sugar Anthology: lrd.to/SugarAnthology

Spice Anthology:

Nine authors, featuring national bestsellers and award-winners, bring an array of prose that is sure to provide a delicious literary experience. 

Naleighna Kai, Lisa Watson, Pat G’Orge Walker, Martha Kennerson, Michelle D. Rayford, Janice Pernell, J. L. Campbell, Kisha Green, and Terri Ann Johnson have crafted stories in a range of genres from contemporary fiction, women’s fiction, romance, erotica, and even a thriller to give you a taste of the most anticipated fiction offerings of the year. We hope you’ll find this anthology is an eclectic blend that will stay with you long after the pages have been turned.

Spice Anthology:  lrd.to/SpiceAnthology

#IWSG Business & The Writing Blahs

I’m not sure where the time goes, but today heralds the April version of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! On this day we release our neuroses to the world and also offer encouragement to those who are feeling insecure about their writing. If you’d like to join the group, click here to sign up. While you’re at it, visit someone you haven’t visited with before and leave them some encouragement.

Captain Alex’s awesome co-hosts for today are Olga Godim,Chemist Ken, Renee Scattergood, and Tamara Narayan!

For IWSG News, here goes …

The IWSG Anthology, Tick Tock: A Stitch in Crime, comes out on May 1. Click on this link to hop over to the book’s page and pre-order your copy today!

The IWSG Goodreads Group will be discussing Save the Cat: The Last Book on Screenwriting You'll Ever Need by Blake Snyder on May 23. Be sure to participate. 

The optional discussion for today is - When your writing life is a bit cloudy or filled with rain, what do you do to dig down and keep on writing? 

We all slow down at some point or another in our writing. At times, it can be hard to figure out why we do what we do especially when we hit a roadblock or the journey doesn’t seem worth it. I’m not recommending this for everybody, but one solution that works for me is to step away from writing for a bit.

There’s life, which never stops churning, there are good books (as evidenced by the hundreds of them on my kindle) and there is also the opportunity for a brainstorming session to keep the creative juices flowing. Most of all though, when the way seems cloudy, I remember the reason I started writing – for the love of it. That’s usually enough to refocus my energy and keep me going.

How do you combat the blahs? What’s your solution for keeping them away? What’s the first thing you do when doubt, discouragement, and fear show up?

And last, but not least, I've been busy as usual and had a book release in March. This one was a departure from the norm for me, but I had some awesome editors and my wonderful publisher, Garden Avenue Press, that made the publishing process a breeze. Here's my latest book baby! The Thick of Things falls into the category of women's fiction, but with strong romantic elements. It is a tale of love, devastating loss, and second changes. If you want to find out more, check here.

Thanks for stopping in. See you on the rounds!

Discombobulated Much? #SundaySample

Here's hoping you're having a wonderful Easter Sunday. My Sunday Sample today is from - you guessed it - The Thick of Things. Enjoy!

I was a little of everything—embarrassed, confused, speechless. How could he be so sure I was what he wanted? 

No matter what he thought, I had too much going on to be adding a relationship to the list.

“What are you afraid of, Khalila?”

My name on his tongue was a caress that scattered my thoughts. 

“It’s not that I’m afraid of anything.” I pulled my hand out of his and drank the rest of the water while gathering my thoughts. “My divorce isn’t final yet and…” 

My mind settled on Amir, who I didn’t want to think about now. Softly, I sighed. “It’s too early to be thinking about a relationship with anybody.”

“We’ve gone way past the point of thinking about what’s happening between us. I’m not asking you to marry me, but I’m interested in you.” His voice softened and I had to concentrate to hear his words. “Give me the chance to show you that what we did wasn’t only about sex.”

I didn’t know what to say, so I held my silence.

His gaze was analytical and he didn’t seem to expect a response. The longer he looked at me, the more my heart rate accelerated. It was ridiculous that at my age any man could get this kind of response from me.

“I hope that wasn’t all it was for you,” he said.

It took me a few seconds to catch up with him, but I didn’t answer. I was too busy trying not to squirm at the image of him on top of me in his bed.

After reading his watch, Douglas smiled. Why, I didn’t know, but it was a genuine gesture that made 

me want to respond in the same way.

“Are you ready?” he asked.

Nodding, I got out of my seat.

Douglas didn’t crowd me, but let me walk ahead of him. As I wove through the tables, I greeted a few members of the working team, who would also be leaving the hotel today.

Once we were out of the restaurant, Douglas touched my arm and directed me toward the elevator.

“Aren’t you leaving today?” I asked.

“Yes, I’m just making sure you get to where you’re going.”

Putting a smile in my voice, I said, “I’m not likely to get lost on my way upstairs.”

“I didn’t think so.” He laughed and eased both hands into the pockets of his shorts. “I’m simply doing what any decent man would do.”

My cheeky grin conveyed gratefulness and understanding. “Carry on, then.”

​He nodded and in silence, we walked to the elevator. When it was a few floors away, he faced me. “I want to ask one favor of you.”

“What’s that?”

“Answer your phone when I call, okay?”

He stepped in close, kissed my cheek and then brushed his lips across mine.

I sucked in my breath and opened my mouth, wanting more of him, but he stepped back.

The elevator opened and he urged me forward with a gentle hand to my back.

​I walked inside, asking myself what kind of game Douglas was playing. Why would he start something he couldn’t finish, not to mention leave me hot and bothered?

As the doors closed, our gazes locked and I swore that man knew exactly what he was doing and the state he’d left me in.

Sitting Here in Limbo ...

It's been a week since release day, but I'd be remiss if I didn't share a little something from the book. Here's a bird's eye view into Khalila's headspace.

Since Douglas had already paid the bill, we left the rustic wooden gazebo and headed for the parking lot, hand in hand. It felt good to spend time with him this way. Douglas listened keenly whenever I spoke, as if everything I said mattered. I liked that. 

He opened the car he’d rented and helped me get in. As he sat and switched on the engine, he asked, “What about the things we talked about the other day. The stuff you wanted to do?” 

I slid him a glance, grateful he couldn’t look directly at me because I was guilty of not following through on what I told him I would do. “I…I’ve been checking out some recipes and putting some stuff together.”

“If it’s something you're passionate about, and you believe you have the resources to do it, why not get on with it?”

“I plan to…the divorce distracted me.” 

Sad to say, I had done nothing since we talked about my plans. As I looked at Douglas again, I wanted something different from the status quo. I’d been stuck in limbo so long, I’d lost direction. 

Now that I’d met Douglas, I wanted to rediscover the woman I’d been before I lost myself and who better to do that with than someone who knew who he was and what he wanted. 

 If you want to find out more about these two, follow this link.

Book Blitz - The Thick of Things

Today is the book blitz for The Thick of Things, my latest book which has been published by Garden Avenue Press. It is my hope that readers enjoy the story and share with other readers. Thanks for dropping in!

Synopsis

GENRE: women's fiction with romantic elements, contemporary romance

BLURB: Life has a way of going awry when you least expect it, and Khalila Skyers learns this lesson the hard way. In one devastating blow after another, she loses her cosy existence. Then Douglas Blythe overtakes her life like a flood, and she’s not equipped to deal with an attraction that seems forbidden and overwhelming. But her body and heart want what they want, and leave her wondering if she ever knew herself at all.  

Douglas is determined to help Khalila move beyond her obsession with the past and reach for love a second time. No matter how long it takes. No matter the distance. He’s going to prove he’s worth the risk. 

Here's what readers are saying ...

Thanks so much for dropping in. If you enjoy women's fiction and romance, be sure to pick up your copy of The Thick of Things and see what readers are talking about. 

Buy Links

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2FZjJtm

B & N: http://bit.ly/2HMCRLN

iBooks: https://apple.co/2pryvCn

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2ptS1ht

Amazon Canada: http://amzn.to/2G8KIWJ

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2pvYA2S

Sample Sunday ... The Thick of Things #NewRelease

The Thick of Things was released this Friday and I'm grateful that people are reading this story, which marinated in my mind for a few years before I ever wrote one word. Life changes make Khalila Skyers gun-shy but Douglas Blythe is just the person she needs to make her take stock, get her mind off her grief, and start living again.

Here's an excerpt from this brand new read ...

Douglas squinted at me, disapproval in his deep-brown eyes and every line that appeared on his forehead. “Why are you so defensive?”

I put a hand to my forehead and let out my breath. “You’re not listening to me. This whole thing doesn’t matter. It’s in the past. Let it go.”

“Not a chance.”

I moved back by a step. “What?”

“I said no.”

Shaking my head, and unable to hold back the laughter trickling from me, I stared at him. “That’s just weird. You can’t tell me no.”

“I already did.”

I shrugged and stood straight. “You know what? It doesn’t even matter. You’re free to do exactly what you want.”

He put both hands in his pockets and stared back at me. “You don’t have to tell me. I know that.”

“Douglas…” I paused to gather my thoughts, feeling foolish that I’d started talking without knowing exactly what I wanted to say. The man staring back at me was that frustrating to deal with.

He raised his eyebrows and assumed an expectant expression. “Yes?”

Stop this.” I lowered my voice as I pleaded. “Please.”

He smiled and swung on the balls of his feet before going motionless. “You don’t get it, do you?”

“What?” I said, moving sideways as a family of four tourists passed us, going toward the elevator.

Only then did it occur to me that we were conspicuous, standing between the corridor and the open space in front of the elevators. I hoped nobody we knew would see us before I got rid of him.

My mind came back to our conversation with a jolt when he said, “Has it crossed your mind that I might actually be interested in you?”

Continue reading Douglas & Khalila's story by getting a copy of the book at any of these outlets.

❖Amazon: https://buff.ly/2IveYcS   
❖B & N: https://buff.ly/2FZgu8t  
❖iBooks: https://buff.ly/2FLewFr
❖Kobo: https://buff.ly/2tSuhJp

Hang on for the Ride of Your Life!

Time is winding down and I'm getting excited because The Thick Of Things will be released on March 16.  🤩 The main character, at forty-two, is a tad older than most of the heroines I’ve written. But, if you enjoy thought-provoking women’s fiction that has strong romantic elements, this book is for you!

Please do me a wonderful favour and add The Thick of Things to your shelf on Goodreads.  📚Thanks! Here’s the link to Goodreads.

Blurb

When love takes you by storm, hang on for the ride of your life.

Life has a way of going awry when you least expect it, and Khalila Skyers learns this lesson the hard way. In one devastating blow after another, she loses her cosy existence. Then Douglas Blythe overtakes her life like a flood, and she's not equipped to deal with an attraction that seems forbidden and overwhelming. But her body and heart want what they want, and leave her wondering if she ever knew herself at all.

Douglas is determined to help Khalila move beyond her obsession with the past and reach for love a second time. No matter how long it takes. No matter the distance. He’s going to prove he's worth the risk.

You can hop over to Goodreads from here. 

Thanks so much!

Book Blitz - The Thick Of Things

I'm happy to announce that, through Garden Avenue Press, I have a book release coming up on March 16. On March 21, we'll have a book blitz to spread the word and make some noise about The Thick Of Things, a women's fiction novel. 

If you have a blog and are willing to participate in the blitz, please help me out. It's easy and painless. You'll be given the material in advance to post for blitz day. If you can help, please sign up at this link to be a part of the blitz. Thanks in advance!
Blurb

Life has a way of going awry when you least expect it, and Khalila Skyers learns this lesson the hard way. In one devastating blow after another, she loses her cosy existence. Then Douglas Blythe overtakes her life like a flood, and she’s not equipped to deal with an attraction that seems forbidden and overwhelming. But her body and heart want what they want, and leave her wondering if she ever knew herself at all.  

Douglas is determined to help Khalila move beyond her obsession with the past and reach for love a second time. No matter how long it takes. No matter the distance. He’s going to prove he’s worth the risk.  

Again, if you can assist with the blitz, sign up here. Many thanks!

Cover Reveal - The Thick of Things

I'm happy to share the cover of The Thick of Things, a story I can't wait for you to read next month, thanks to my publisher, Garden Avenue Press. Today's the cover reveal and I hope you love this cover as much as I do. 

Blurb: Life has a way of going awry when you least expect it, and Khalila Skyers learns this lesson the hard way. In one devastating blow after another, she loses her cosy existence. Then Douglas Blythe overtakes her life like a flood, and she’s not equipped to deal with an attraction that seems forbidden and overwhelming. But her body and heart want what they want, and leave her wondering if she ever knew herself at all.  

Douglas is determined to help Khalila move beyond her obsession with the past and reach for love a second time. No matter how long it takes. No matter the distance. He’s going to prove he’s worth the risk.  

Buy links coming soon ...

An Exciting Journey in 2018

So after not being with a publisher for around four or so years, I signed a contract recently with Garden Avenue Press.

The Thick of Things is a women's fiction novel with strong romantic elements. The main characters are mature, which is something different for me, and I enjoyed writing this first part of their story. 

I'm excited about working with Garden Avenue Press to make this novel the best it can be and so far, the journey has been an interesting one. At this point, The Thick of Things is better than it was originally, thanks to some wonderful editors and a great team at GAP. 

We don't have a cover yet, which is going to be another exciting step. I'm looking forward to what lies ahead in the next few months..

Here's the announcement: http://www.gardenavenuepress.com/blog/meet-our-new-authors