by Joanne Wadsworth | Dec 9, 2013 | Author Blog
If there was ever a secret to writing, then mastering DEEP POV would be it. It certainly takes time to learn the techniques involved around getting this POV right, but I hear time and time again from editors and publishers that this is the most powerful tool in a writer’s arsenal. Study and delve into it, and ensure you have this secret weapon at the top of your toolbox. As a writer, going DEEP, means you have to go deep inside your character’s head when you tell your story. Every action, reaction, emotion and thought has to be shown as if the character was living and breathing the story, and not the author telling it.
Here are some tips and techniques to aid you in mastering your POV and going Deep.
- In order to keep things in perspective as you write, allow your POV character to guide you through their world.
- Use all the character’s senses to feel, hear, smell, see and taste things.
- Since the character is the guide, he or she can share all their emotions, reactions, thoughts, opinions, and decisions.
- This encourages showing instead of telling. Because when we tell, we’re explaining from an author’s perspective.
- We don’t want an author’s perspective when we go Deep. We want a character’s perspective.
- We need to be inside the character’s head and looking out of their eyes.
- Which means don’t allow your character to step in front of you. (This is hugely important. And I’m going to write this line again so it really sticks.)
- Don’t allow your character to step in front of you.
- No, you are not standing behind the character explaining their thoughts and actions.
- You are looking out of their eyes.
Did you all get that? Because that is the key to going Deep. You are looking out of their eyes. You are experiencing what is happening to them. Who just got goose bumps when that registered? Okay, now onward from that point.
- Now that you’re looking out of your character’s eyes, the things you notice or remark upon will drastically change. You’ll only mention things that matter to the character.
- This means your descriptions will tighten.
- For example, say your character is running for her life out of the house from a killer. She won’t bother to explain what the curtains look like, or how plush the carpet is. No. She is focused on the door, and not the exotic wood panelling, but the knob and yanking it open. Only bring to life on the page what the character is focused on. Tighten descriptions so the POV becomes more targeted.
- What happens next? You’re looking through the character’s eyes. You’re not going to describe the street and the flowers blossoming on the trees. No. She doesn’t have time to analyse those sorts of things. She’s looking for an escape path, and that’s it. For example: The black SUV parked outside the neighbor’s house. The door’s opening. It’s Jack. He’ll help her.
- Do you see where I’m heading? Tightening your descriptions and only showing what you are looking at out of your character’s eyes, will allow you to suddenly bring in her thoughts and reactions with ease. All your character’s senses come to roaring life and will enhance each and every scene. That’s what every author wants, to drag their reader right into their story.
- Which means your world of storytelling has changed, and all because you’re mastering your POV.
Fantastic, isn’t it?
So, the next time you’re having trouble with a scene and believe it’s become too flat, try this.
- Go back and see if you’re looking out of your character’s eyes.
- Check and see if you are honed into all your character’s senses.
- If you are living and breathing your character.
- That you are inside their head.
To aid you with this, if you’re interested in reading a book written entirely in Deep 3rd POV, then I’d highly recommend you grab a copy of my contemporary romantic suspense, WITNESS PURSUIT. When I was trying to master my POV, I was after books written in Deep, where I was dragged right into the story. Seeing Deep in action infuses it into our minds. There is no telling whatsoever in Witness Pursuit (eg, she watched, she heard, she noticed, she thought, etc, etc. And all the character’s senses are enhanced to the deepest degree.) The POV is tight and any character intrusion (eg, allowing my characters to step in front of me) doesn’t occur in the writing.
If you’re after a book written in Deep 1st, then I’d recommend WARRIOR for you. The same principles apply to Deep, no matter if you’re writing in 1st or 3rd. In fact apart from my debut novel, Protector, (where I was still mastering the technique,) all my books thereafter are written in Deep, so feel free to grab copies as new releases arrive. Get infused into the world of Deep storytelling. You’ll love it. The links for all my books are below should you have need of them.
Also, one last thing. I had some fun yesterday playing around with my website. I’ve created a new home page, all snazzy, or at least I hope so. If anyone has time to check it out, I’d love it. There’s even a Rafflecopter giveaway at the end, so feel free to click on that link and enter my super-duper giveaway. My website link is http://www.joannewadsworth.com. You’ll now find my blog under it’s own menu tab, although that won’t interfere with anyone receiving these posts via email. That’s all the same.
Happy Deep writing, and thanks for joining me this week.
~ Joanne Wadsworth’s Books ~
Buy WITNESS PURSUIT (Bodyguards #1) at: Amazon Kindle / Amazon Paperback / B&N Nook & Paperback / iTunes / Kobo
Buy WARRIOR (Magio-Earth #2) at: Amazon Kindle / B&N Nook / iTunes / Kobo
Buy PROTECTOR (Magio-Earth #1) at: Amazon Kindle / B&N Nook / iTunes / Kobo
Buy FIRST FROST, A Lyrical Press Anthology (including Highlander’s Captive by Joanne Wadsworth): Amazon Kindle / All Romance Ebooks
TAKE CARE.
by Joanne Wadsworth | Dec 2, 2013 | Author Blog
WITNESS PURSUIT
One witness…one bodyguard…one life.
Twenty-one-year-old New Zealander Lydia Sands witnessed the hit-and-run of a powerful man’s son. Her bodyguard is shot when the killer returns to dispose of her and The Program puts her in hiding. A year later, the case remains unsolved and her handler needs to get her further from the killer’s reach. Lydia detests the thought of being close enough to endanger the man who nearly died protecting her, even if it’s aboard a super-yacht traveling the South Pacific.
Tyler Whitehall’s shooting stole weeks from his memory. Physically recovered, he oversees security for Whitehall Shipping. While on a family holiday, Tyler is suspicious of the woman accompanying them without notice or security clearance, as his nephew’s caregiver. Stronger than suspicion is his incomprehensible attraction to her, and his instinct to protect her.
Once sensitive information is leaked, Lydia undergoes re-identification to evade a killer and protect the man who’d die to save her. Her bodyguard has just begun his pursuit, and she may have underestimated his abilities.
CONTENT WARNING: Sexual content
–ooO00–
WITNESS PURSUIT has just released. Yay! This novel is a contemporary romance, and book one in my Bodyguards series, a heart-pounding line in which each story brings you a bodyguard and the woman he protects. It’s also my first book which has released simultaneously as both an ebook and in paperback. Here’s the pic I took today to prove it. Yep, see that grin — no one could get that off my face all day. What a wicked feeling it was to hold the physical copy of my book in my hands. So exciting. The buy links are just below. 🙂
BUY LINKS:
BUY THE BOOK: Amazon Kindle / Amazon Paperback / B&N Nook & Paperback / iTunes / Kobo
I hope you’ll sit back, relax and enjoy the first five pages of chapter one.
Chapter 1
“That is one massive super-yacht, and one I shouldn’t be on.” Lydia crossed her arms, eyeing the four levels of darkened glass and sleek white panels as the luxury ship sat proudly in its private berth at Auckland Marina’s gated wharf. And was that a– Shoot. Yes, it was. A huge kidney shaped pool glistened from the center of the one-hundred and fifty foot yacht. All the comforts one could desire, except not her. She shouldn’t even be here.
“Ben.” She swung around, leveling a glare on her bodyguard.
“Don’t say it.” Ben scanned the marina. “You’re getting on that ship and working as a caregiver. No arguments.”
“Don’t you ‘no argument’ me. Tyler Whitehall will throw me off his ship, or he would if he remembered me. What happens if he does?”
“He’ll have to dive in to rescue you.” He smiled then quickly straightened his mouth. “Tyler’s one of the best bodyguards in the business, and I still need you somewhere safe, away from home shores. With your case unsolved, Tyler’s ship is my choice.”
Tyler had been assigned to guard her after she’d witnessed the hit-and-run of a wealthy businessman. Ten days later, he’d taken three bullets in the back to protect her and four-year-old Jay. She’d never forget his blood on her hands as it had pumped from his body.
“Tyler put his life on the line for me. I won’t allow that to happen again.”
“Now, he wouldn’t have wanted you or the boy to get hurt. That’s what we do, guard.”
She planted her hands on her hips. “Yes, you guard, but no, you shouldn’t get shot. Not for me.”
“You’re an eyewitness. If we don’t have you, we don’t have someone to identify Johnny Taita’s killer. That’s when we find him. Which we will.” His look was sharp, determined and inarguable. “You’ll have the cover you need once on board with Tyler, as well as a break from the safe-house. Surely you like the idea of a cruise to the Fijian islands?”
She frowned. “That’s a trick question. Being in The Program means remaining in seclusion. Not on board a luxury ship. Tyler’s wonderful brothers and nephew will be on board. This is their family holiday.”
“You’ll be in more danger from Nico than he ever will be from you. Four-year-olds, as adorable as they are, are tricky little things. Nico has endless energy.”
“Children aren’t things.”
“Same, same.” He shrugged. “All that matters is you’re one of the best caregivers I know. I told Nico’s father, and he’s all for your arrival.”
“But he won’t know who I am.” She wanted to hit him over the head. The man was far too obstinate, and deaf. He didn’t listen to a word she said. “Even Tyler won’t know.”
“That’s the whole point of you having name suppression.”
“This is impossible.”
“I knew you’d come around.”
What? She was not coming around, but he nudged her from behind then directed her through the arched gateway and along the slatted wooden walkway. He rolled her suitcase over the boards. Its clatter overpowered the water lapping and sloshing against the pilings.
“What I should have said was you’re impossible.” And a lunatic.
He chuckled. “We’ve lived with each other day in and day out for a year. The safe-house will ring with peace while you’re gone.”
“Peace my ass. I’ve asked Saria to ride your tail. Damn it, I can’t believe I’m doing this.” She yanked on his black shirtsleeve. “I mean it. I don’t want to do this.”
“Hey, you’ll be fine. I know you’re worried, but you don’t need to be, and your sister’s in good hands. Stop stressing, and enjoy this break. It’s only on offer once.”
“Tyler’s on board that ship. You know the guilt I feel. I can never forget what happened to him.”
“Tyler recalls nothing of his initial Program assignment with you.” He pressed a hand to her back and moved her forward. “Simply assume the role of Nico’s caregiver and relax. This is your chance for a little time out.”
Relax? She rolled her eyes. “I can’t believe I have to leave Saria behind. Do you realize twins shouldn’t be separated?”
“Brigs is guarding her, and you don’t have a choice.”
“I could help with her correspondence study. Her nursing finals are so close.”
“I’ll help her.” He increased his pace. “And I think by the age of twenty-one, we can safely separate you two for a month.”
“We’re not twenty-one, yet.” Groaning, she rubbed her palms over her white cotton pants. The ship was so close. Another twenty feet and they’d reach the gangplank, and she was fresh out of arguments.
“This is where I leave.” Ben halted and leaned in. “This is your chance to see Tyler as you asked for after the shooting. I know you two were…close. I couldn’t grant your request then, but you’re not a victim, Lydia, you’re a survivor. You must live, even under confinement.”
Her heartbeat raced. A year ago, she’d begged Ben to allow her to see Tyler in hospital. She’d needed to see he’d survived.
“Stop thinking and start moving, and don’t forget, keep in touch on the sat phone. I expect updates as often as possible.” Ben handed over her case and turned her toward the ship. “That’s my girl. Now move.”
“I am not your girl.” Still, she flexed her fingers around the square handle of her suitcase, and taking the deepest breath, walked away from Ben for the first time in a year. She shivered. No, she could do this. A child was on board for her to look after. He was who she had to concentrate on, because her case was stagnant and the inaction wasn’t doing her any good. As much as she didn’t want to go, she understood Ben’s arguments. She needed this break to refocus, and the Fijian Islands, wow, what a dreamy location.
She tugged at the inside of her white blouse collar then lifted her chin and eyed the ship. Up close, the white panels sparkled in the sunlight. Oh no. She slammed to a stop as Tyler stepped out from behind darkened glass sliders on the second floor. He moved across the deck to the stern, and halted ten heart-stopping feet away.
He looked strong and well, his jaw angled as firmly as always. His midnight black hair blew over his ears and brushed his shoulders. The longer length suited him over the buzz-cut he’d had last. So cute.
No. She was here for Nico, not to dance with Tyler again. That’s right. Tyler must’ve moved on. It had been a year. She forced her thoughts under control.
* * * *
Staring out over the harbor, Tyler tucked the tails of his blue button-down shirt into his black pants. The breeze was brisk, the dawn sun warm on his skin. A perfect morning to set sail, on a family holiday he’d longed for. Liam and Nico were on board, and Dylan and Luke wouldn’t be far away. These moments with his brothers and nephew mattered as much as his next breath.
Shifting onto his heels, he searched the marina for them, only his gaze landed on a young woman standing stiffly below.
Mmm, chocolate-brown hair, his favorite shade, and so long it touched her tiny waist. And those eyes, the same delicious shade, and now locked on him. Did he know her? She looked familiar, yet not. Leaning against the railing, he called, “Can I help you?”
“Um, yes. I’m after Liam Whitehall.”
She was after his brother? “Who are you?”
“My name’s–” Rubbing her neck, she glanced over her shoulder then back at him. “Lydia Sands. I’m Nico’s new caregiver while you’re on holiday. Ben Hammers arranged this job. It was short notice.”
She couldn’t be Nico’s new caregiver. Liam would never employ anyone without running it past him first. Tyler ran all security checks, and had this past year since stepping into the security role for Whitehall Shipping. “I don’t believe you.”
“You should check with Liam. I promise Ben sent me.” Her voice wobbled, a level of distress leaking through. “You do remember Ben, don’t you?”
“Ben’s impossible to forget. I worked alongside him for seven years.”
“He dropped me off.” She motioned toward the gated entrance, and sure enough under the intricate scrollwork of the wrought-iron arch, Ben Hammers waited. With a slow movement, Ben saluted him with just two fingers.
That salute was their team’s customary silent signal for handover. But handing over whom? This woman? He didn’t work for Ben, and hadn’t since the shooting. Which didn’t matter. The call for aid from one bodyguard to another went unquestioned, and Ben turned to leave, giving Luke a nod as he arrived.
Luke clapped Ben on the shoulder, and then continued toward him in his jeans and t-shirt. Ambling along, his youngest brother adjusted his brown leather duffel over one shoulder, as if he didn’t have a care in the world, and at twenty-three, he didn’t.
The woman, Lydia. He shouldn’t forget her. He gripped the second-floor rail then launched over it and landed on the peer next to her.
She gasped, and her gaze jolted over him. “Tyler, what are you doing? You can’t just jump off the side of a ship like that.”
“Bro.” Luke strode in, one brow cocked. “There’s a gangplank. You know, one can walk down.”
He slid between his brother and Lydia. “Yeah, I know, but Ben dropped her off. With Ben, one doesn’t stroll.”
“What’s she here for?”
“She says she’s Nico’s caregiver. Have you heard about this?”
“No.” Luke clicked his tongue as if telling him off. “C’mon, Liam wouldn’t do that. It’s too soon after Gabriella and Mum.”
Their mother and Liam’s wife, Gabriella, had passed only two years ago. Not one woman had been permitted on board The Idle Dream since then. This was a sacred trip between him and his brothers.
From behind, Lydia gripped his arm and a river of fire raced through his veins. Whoa. He spun and faced her. “What are you doing?” He stared at her hand.
She tucked herself in even closer, and he breathed deep.
“Tyler, I need to get inside.”
Her plea spoke to his heart. “How do you know my name? You’ve said it twice.”
A light flickered in the depths of her eyes. “Because we went out. Once.”
His heart tripped a beat. Damn, he’d only ever lost a few weeks of his memory, and that was a year ago. He certainly didn’t remember her. “Who the hell are you to me?”
“Someone you knew for a short time. We went on a date, and like I said, it was only once. Ben set me up for this job, of which there truly is one.”
“Yeah, there wasn’t a job going, Lee.” He frowned. “Um, sorry, I meant Lydia.” Yeah, she’d said her name was Lydia, not Lee. Only why did Lee sound more natural?
“It’s okay. I had a child I cared for once who called me Lee.” Her lips lifted. “Not that I’m saying you’re a child.”
“Ah, excuse me.” Luke sighed and walked past them to the gangplank. “I feel like I’m interrupting a moment here and, bro, it’s almost time for the ship to set sail.”
“You’re right. Let’s go.” Tyler held her arm and led her on board as Ben’s sleek silver Jaguar revved in the parking lot. “You and Ben? You’re what to each other? Are you his client?”
“No. He’s a friend and got me this job. I’m not a client at all.”
They walked through the opened double glass doors on the second floor and into the living room where two cozy groupings of four white leather couches faced each other. Black and white sea prints his mother had adored graced the walls painted in her favorite shade of ocean-blue.
Lydia’s shoes clipped across the polished pine floors as she set her case near the stairwell. She inspected the area. “Do you mind if I ask where Liam is?”
“Below-stairs. Luke will grab him for you.”
His brother groaned as he dropped his duffel on the couch. “I will?”
“Yes. Liam’s downstairs checking inventory with Malcolm. Tell him we have a guest, one Lydia Sands, and bring Nico.” He would see how this mysterious woman responded to his nephew, because if she wasn’t a caregiver, he’d soon know.
Luke sent him a good-natured grin as he took off. “I’m onto it, only, bro, you’re not to interrogate the girl while I’m gone. I see that look in your eyes.”
“Just watch where you’re walking.” At thirty-two, he’d kept his family and countless others safe, and Ben had dropped her off. Which meant protection was required in some order, whether she was a client or not.
Leaning toward her, he met her gaze head on. “Okay, it’s you and me. Now, tell me who you truly are.”
–ooOoo–
I hope you all enjoyed that.
Thank you all for helping me celebrate the release of WITNESS PURSUIT by joining me today. Thank you. Thank you. 🙂
~ Joanne Wadsworth’s Books ~
Buy WITNESS PURSUIT (Bodyguards #1) at: Amazon Kindle / Amazon Paperback / B&N Nook & Paperback / iTunes / Kobo
Buy WARRIOR (Magio-Earth #2) at: Amazon Kindle / B&N Nook / iTunes / Kobo
Buy PROTECTOR (Magio-Earth #1) at: Amazon Kindle / B&N Nook / iTunes / Kobo
Buy FIRST FROST, A Lyrical Press Anthology (including Highlander’s Captive by Joanne Wadsworth): Amazon Kindle / All Romance Ebooks
TAKE CARE.
by Joanne Wadsworth | Nov 15, 2013 | Author Blog
MR. RIGHT NOW
The wrong guy might be just right for her.
When her celebrity boyfriend of three years dumps her and claims he’s now gay, unlucky-in-love author Casey Cash decides to get out of New York. A cruise seems like the perfect escape: everyone onboard will be locked away from television, newspapers and internet gossip pages, allowing her some much needed relaxation. There’s only one problem: her oh-so-helpful agent has hired a male escort for her…and a big NYC paper has sent a pesky reporter on-board, vowing to get the dirt.
Mason Drury doesn’t want to write an expose on Casey, but he’s in a bind. After a source flipped on him, he’s persona non grata at his newspaper. Celebrity trash or not, this story will put him back on top. Too bad he finds himself breaking the first rule of reporting by getting attached to his subject and letting bias influence his story.
Casey’s much more interested in sexy Mason than the annoying escort who’s bunking in her room. Mason might even have romantic potential if she can shake her well-meaning-but nosey-fans. Oh, and that reporter. She’s got to avoid him at all costs…
CONTENT WARNING: A smattering of sass, sex and a heaping happily ever after.
A Lyrical Press Contemporary Romance
A huge welcome to Kristina Knight. I’m so glad you’ve dropped by, Kristina. I’m going to start with a fun rapid fire question round.
– Nicknames? – So many! Kritti is my fave because my nieces gave it to me when they couldn’t pronounce the S-T part of my name so well.
– Where do you live? – I live on the NorthCoast of Ohio with RadioMan, bebe and Angel-the-dog.
– Have you ever traveled abroad? – Yes! Primarily to the Caribbean – love it there!
– Tea, coffee, or hot chocolate? – Iced tea or hot chocolate…depending on my mood. And the weather.
– Favorite dessert? – Anything chocolate. Or my mom’s secret-recipe Red Velvet Cake. YUM!
– Dog or cat? – dog, I like to be loved.
– Beach or skiing? – beach! Especially if a cabana boy is included.
– What’s your favorite time of the day to write? – I can write any time of the day…but I like the words best that come in the afternoon…or late at night when the rest of the house is asleep.
– Do you write on holiday? – Definitely! I try to space holidays so I’m not on a deadline, but I usually have a project going so I’ll take an hour or two to work on a scene or character sketch. Or just write down ideas.
– Last book you read? – I just finished two gothic novellas – Mugs & Monasteries and Sefton Manor by Cait O’Sullivan…fun, chilling reads!
– Plotter or pantser? – Pantlotter, thank you very much. I usually have an outline of where I want to go with a story. But the story elements get moved around or changed altogether before I’m through.
– What three things would you take to a desert island? – RadioMan, bebe … and a barbecue grill
Now, let’s get to some grittier questions, Kristina.
– Tell us what started you on your journey to being a writer? – I’ve always been a writer, in one form or another. My mom and grandmother are the credits, I think, because they read to me all the time and when I told them stories, they listened. I would rewrite the endings to stories as a kid, joined the school newspaper as a teenager and actually went into journalism for a while before I started writing fiction full time.
– If you decided not to be a writer, what would your other dream job be? And why? – Hmmm…a travel reporter, I think. Because I would still be writing but I’d also get paid to travel. Who doesn’t like to travel?
– Where would you live if you could live anywhere in the world? – I like where I am. For now. Someday, I’d like to live in a tropical paradise, but we have the best of all worlds here – hot beaches in the summer, blizzards in the winter. It’s a fabulous place to raise a family.
– I’d love to hear a random fact about yourself, one that would surprise us all. If you don’t mind, can you spill? – I believe in ghosts. Full on. Not evil ghosts, although I suppose if I believe in friendly Caspers I have to believe in ghouls, too. But I’ve had a couple of very real experiences with loved ones who have passed on. So, I believe the ones we love can reach out to us from the other side.
– Do you have any suggestions for aspiring writers? – Don’t stop and don’t sell yourself short. We all have real life issues and roadblocks in our path. The key is to find a way around the roadblocks and deal with real life issues and keep pressing on.
– What are you working on now? – I just wrapped up a new trilogy that my agent and I are shopping around (hopefully I’ll have news soon on that). And this week I’m starting a brand new project, if I could just get my characters to agree on a starting point…
Here’s an excerpt from Mr. Right Now to whet your appetite:
Casey needed things to slow down. And she desperately wanted whatever was happening to speed up. She didn’t know who Mason was. Didn’t know if he was the reporter or just some random guy. Her head said he was the reporter. Why else would he have hit on her so hard from the time she came on board? It had to be part of his plan.
But then, why would a reporter waste time talking to a random woman about her life? Setting her up with another harmless guy who would bolster her self-confidence and help her bounce back from rejection. That was something a nice guy would do. Casey wanted badly for Mason to be a nice guy. Just for a little bit.
Then she’d go back to the craziness of Tyler and figuring out who the reporter was. How to avoid him and save what was left of her reputation.
Surely her future could spare her a few more minutes with Mason Drury.
“What’s your plan?” he asked, his eyes intent on hers.
What was her plan? She knew she had one. It was a good one, too. What was it again?
He pressed his lips to hers, and she didn’t care about plans or who was following whom.
One little kiss.
What could it hurt?
How can readers find you and your book, Kristina?
Buy Links:
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Mr-Right-Now-ebook/dp/B00G3HEFF0/ref=la_B0081LO6DM_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1383596872&sr=1-4
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mr-right-now-kristina-knight/1117213467?ean=2940148705611
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/mr.-right-now/id687704564?mt=11
BIO:
Once upon a time, Kristina Knight spent her days running from car crash to fire to meetings with local police—no, she wasn’t a troublemaker, she was a journalist. When the opportunity to focus a bit of energy on the stories in her head, she jumped at it. And she’s never looked back. Now she writes magazine articles by day and romance novels with spice by night. She lives on Lake Erie with her husband and daughter. Happily ever after.
Kristina’s Links:
Website: http://www.kristinaknightauthor.com
FB: http://www.facebook.com/kristinaknightromanceauthor
TW: @AuthorKristina
GR: http://www.goodreads.com/authorkristina
PI: http://www.pinterest.com/authorkristina
by Joanne Wadsworth | Nov 12, 2013 | Author Blog, Highlander's Captive
FIRST FROST IS HERE — FREE AT AMAZON!
FIRST FROST has just released. This fantastic ebook is FREE, compliments of Lyrical Press’s authors. Please feel free to check out the excerpts below to see if this is something you might like. The nine novellas within this book cross a wide range of romance’s sub-genres, and the reads are listed from sweet to steamy. If you grab a copy of FIRST FROST, I truly hope you enjoy the read. I certainly had a ton of fun writing HIGHLANDER’S CAPTIVE specifically for this anthology. My novella is the second story in and forms part of my Highlander Heat series, so make sure you check it out. Here’s a look at First Frost.
FIRST FROST
A Lyrical Press anthology
Melt away the chill with a warm romance, or turn up the heat with a more steamy story, without raising your utility bill…compliments of Lyrical Press’s authors.
Pick up your FREE copy of FIRST FROST AT >>> AMAZON
A Keeper
Contemporary sweet romance by Charlotte McClain
Some things are worth keeping. Some guys are keepers.
Dina Paxson has a few days before going back to work on the cruise ship to straighten out a billing snafu at the storage facility. Paul Hanover is baby-sitting the facility for his mother when Dina comes in. She’s a little odd, but in a way that makes him want to know more about her. Too bad his need to know conflicts with her desire to be a little more anonymous.
Highlander’s Captive
Historical romance by Joanne Wadsworth
His mission is to capture. Hers is to turn the tide.
Julia MacLeod is held captive by a Highland warrior, a man whose deep-seated honor may just turn him into becoming the captured instead.
Ripe for Trouble
Contemporary romance by Autumn Piper
Are they ready for love this time around, or just ripe for trouble?
When Ivy Leeds takes a job in her hometown, few things have changed…but Ridley, the bad boy of her graduating class, has cleaned up his act. Or so everyone else thinks. After hearing him and his friend practicing pickup lines, she has her doubts. Ridley Tucker can hardly believe his eyes. Ivy, the president of the Brainiac Club, has returned to town. Some things never change—she’ll barely give him the time of day, and she still looks as fine as she did that night at Prom, when they almost… Well, when he blew their chances forever. Or…did he?
In His Embrace
Contemporary romance by Wendy Ely
When life’s glow threatens to die in a person, love’s light guides the way.
Tori expected Friday to be completely ordinary: a quick goodbye to her best friend who was going away on a business trip for the weekend, a routine checkup at her doctor’s office, and the rest of the day filled with work. But she was wrong. Ben’s hand rested on her hips a little longer than usual during their goodbye, igniting sparks she’d tried to ignore for years, and then her tests came back abnormal. Scared and alone, she wishes for one person’s hand to hold–Ben’s. He is trying to make it back before her next doctor visit, but can he?
Keep the Fire Burning
Fantasy romance by Daisy Banks
A flame of passion turns into an ever-burning fire of love.
Devastation unites a Prince and a village maiden and together they discover the sweet fire of the flame of love.
May I Have This Dance
Paranormal romance by Toni Kelly
The right partner makes all the difference…in love and dancing.
Tired of hiding who and what he is, half-demon Sebastian Reyes is determined to find happiness. Easier said than done, though—his true identity could drive away the only woman he loves.
Slip the Skin
Paranormal romance by Tera Shanley
His curse is her cure.
Just when Linden Ashby finally accepts her impending doom, a handsome stranger gives her another chance at life. But will it be at the expense of her soul?
Like Autumn Leaves and Campfires
GLBT erotic romance by Elle Parker
Mysterious neighbors, scheming wives and bar fights. This was not Dino’s idea of a relaxing vacation.
All Dino Martini wants is to enjoy his vacation with best friend turned boyfriend, Seth Donnelly. But when he stumbles across a mystery, it feels like business as usual. If Dino wants to spend his time focused on Seth instead of fighting in bars, he might have to get back to work.
Three-Way Tie, a Neighborly Affection short
BDSM erotic romance by MQ Barber
Strong knots hold love fast.
Henry gives his submissive lovers a day filled with the best kind of tension.
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And lastly, if you’d like to read one of my books from my thrilling Young Adult Fantasy Romance series then by all means, check out the book links below to pick up your copy of PROTECTOR or WARRIOR.
Buy PROTECTOR (Book One) at: Amazon Kindle / B&N Nook / iTunes / Kobo
Buy WARRIOR (Book Two) at: Amazon Kindle / B&N Nook / iTunes / Kobo
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