Open Distribution

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If you visit the webpage, you’ll see this graphic on my books’ pages. If you visit my blog, you would have seen this graphic [with different words!] now gracing my header space. Don’t you love it? <3

WebDesign_BuyPage_small.jpg

Click the image on the book you want to buy, and you will be linked to the Books2Read page for that book, where every retailer and link is available for you to purchase from. No third party sellers, just you and Apple Books or Barnes and Noble… And I still have links to Amazon as well, so if you’re sitting pretty with Amazon, click the Amazon button!

It’s a new year.

I’ve picked my first new book and it is the Michelle Obama book. Perhaps I’ll come back and share a bit of my thoughts on it when I’m done. :)

I’m guessing life is about to get back into full swing… the routines and busyness of life.

Enjoy it!

Beth

When a book makes you Mad:

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I usually refrain from leaving negative reviews. Believe me. I know how it feels to get those. Not nice! And sometimes, they are completely crazy off the wall, like "did you even read the book?" So, I didn't leave a review. I internalized what I'd read...over and over for several hours. The book made me roll my eyes, groan, get defensive, and then--eventually--made me mad. 

But after running through the emotions of dislike, I got to a point where I'd processed enough to see a bigger picture...and I wondered, How does a fiction novel influence our decisions? 

My own conscience feels a responsibility to the reader. 

1. not to be too biased or one-sided: double-edged sword here in today's world.

2. do my research

The book I stopped reading yesterday had some immature moments, some moments of disbelief. I can take all of that, but then the author stepped up onto a platform for mental health. The move surprised me and made me hesitate. I tepidly kept reading, wondering what she was going to do next. 

And then I got mad. Because the author presented the use of drugs as a good, normal way to fix a problem, when all the reading and research I've done...the talking to other people...has left me feeling completely uncertain [please note, I didn't say 'left me feeling like it was wrong for everyone']. The side effects can be harsh and far-reaching: from headaches to suicide.  

And then--the icing on the cake--the author compared the use of these drugs with a Type I Diabetic using insulin. And it didn't matter that I was a breath away from finishing the book. I didn't finish. 

T1D is NOT a mental disorder, to be determined based on talking about things. It's a disease. A person with T1D is BROKEN. Without insulin, a T1D will DIE. So, tell me how that's the same as this hero having a temper he can't control and taking mind-altering drugs? 

I couldn't relate at all. I felt the author glossed over the reality of using SSRI [selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors], and it made me sad for people who won't do the research on the drugs or who are being pressured to use it, who might actually be influenced by--yes--a romance novel. 

I think I could have taken the presentation of the SSRI in the story, if there had been more... conflict, less of a stance or platform in how it was shown in the story. And definitely, it would have been key to not have the use of SSRI compared to the use of insulin. 

Writing books is a hard business. It's often that we--authors--will offend someone or write a point of view that differs from a readers beliefs. There's nothing wrong with differing beliefs--usually. And maybe that means there is nothing wrong with the book I didn't finish. Maybe for some it offered hope! And they left the story filled with a good feeling. 

I felt sad. And I felt convicted to be more careful... but also, to be truer to my values in my own books. :) So, I'm ending this thought process with acceptance toward this author's mistakes. It didn't make me happy. It ticked me off. I think she should have done more research and made a better show of....life.

But, I'm not mad anymore--processing things will do that! And I feel better because I've had my say, which is what blogging is for, right? 

The Characters of Strike Zone

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Book Three is about to be released! I've spent all weekend reading a book, one that has me--of course--studying technique, looking at character development. I admit, I've become a reader who also picks a little bit. To learn, though! Not just to be critical, although sometimes that does go hand-in-hand. And recently, the topic of Characterization came up in my writing group, and it got me thinking.

So, as I thought about characters this weekend, I noted two things.

One from my reading:

The conflict in the book created unnatural reactions in the characters. When it came right down to it, I disliked the heroine for her cold attitude in the first scene...but mostly, it seemed that her thoughts [as the author tried to 'show' the story] and her actions weren't realistic. She was stuck in a Russian blizzard, needing rescue! Why is she thinking she should try to bring up a past and resolve anything? Why is she thinking at all beyond, 'Thank God. You rescued me. Please don't hate me too much to save my life.' So there were a few other instances where the author was trying to maintain sexual tension by NOT having the couple hook up too soon, and created conflict. But again, it just felt off, especially since the characters were both young, healthy, attractive, sexually active, and 'hot for each other'. As an author, reading this book, the conflict felt too contrived. 

This is where characterization can play a huge part! Because if even one of those characters wasn't the horny, sex-impulsive type, then...I could have believed they were holding back as a natural occurence! 

Two, from my own writing:

Last week I finished revisions on Book Three of my Hawk Elite Security series, and it's the first full-length novel that has no sex in it. Before I started revisions, this book had the expected 2-3 love scenes. As I went through on the revisions, the sex kept NOT happening. Believe me, I wanted it to happen! I understand the satisfaction of seeing a couple through even this very private part of their relationship. It's what romance readers are looking for... emotional connections. But no, I had a character. And do you know what my character's nickname on the teams is? 

Fr. John. Because he's conservative in his dating life, because no one is quite certain if he's had sex or not... is he a virgin? Does he even date anymore? He hasn't--in a long time--and that's what made his story. So, wouldn't it be odd to have him suddenly be a lady's man? a Don Juan? I think it would. It wouldn't be in character. 

I had a heroine who was ready to go, and she did her own pondering on why this guy wasn't going to have sex with her. But even my heroine had been living alone for a few years, sort of in hiding from herself and the world. So, even for her to jump right in would have been a little off-reality.

I write romance, and I know the possibility of disappointing readers with a book that has no sex in it. But, I just couldn't get beyond my characters. John was raised a certain way. He's not perfect. He's NOT a virgin [cuz, hello, college is a bed of sowing wild oats and living a little rebelliously], but he's celibate, and has been for a few years. Because he knows, he wants the whole thing. All of it, and he isn't going to settle for less, or cheat the next woman he's attracted to by leading her on. 

If you get a chance to read Strike Zone, please come back and tell me what you think. Part of me loves this story, because the sexual tension is so darn high. Part of me wishes I'd left the sex in there because it's satisfying...

But in the end, I left the tone of the book up to the characters.

And if you like things a little hotter, stay tuned for book 4, Strike Force. Oh boy. That's a different story completely! 

Deep Dark -- NEW RELEASE -- TastyBookTours

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Deep Dark
Tracers #10
By: Laura Griffin
Releasing May 24, 2016
Pocket Books

A gripping new romantic thriller from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Laura Griffin...

The moment detective Reed Novak steps onto the crime scene, he knows the case is going to rock his world. A beautiful young woman murdered at home. No sign of forced entry. No motive. She’s obviously not the killer’s first victim, and Reed’s instincts tell him she won’t be his last. Reed’s first clue comes via a mysterious text that links to a dating profile, but even more intriguing than the clue is the person who sent it.

As a white-hat hacker in the Delphi Center’s cyber investigation unit, Laney Knox sneaks into some of the deepest, darkest corners of the Internet looking for predators. Laney would prefer to stay away from Austin PD’s most recent murder case, but she can’t ignore the chilling similarities between that crime and her own brutal attack years ago. Laney offers to help the sexy lead detective, but he wants more from her than just a promising tip—Reed wants her trust. Laney resists, but as their relationship deepens she’s tempted to reveal the closely guarded secrets that could make her a key witness…or the killer’s next victim

 

Buy Links:    Amazon | B & N | Google Play | iTunes | Kobo
 


New York Times and USA Today bestselling author LAURA GRIFFIN started her career in journalism before venturing into the world of romantic suspense. She is a two-time RITA Award winner as well as the recipient of the Daphne du Maurier Award. Laura currently lives in Austin, where she is working on her next book.

 

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads
 


Reed watched her, and she had that frustrated look in her eyes again. Every time she started to open up to him, he did something to tick her off. She shook her head and glanced away.
    “Laney?”
    “What?”
    “I’m a detective. It’s my job to ask questions. To push.”
    She looked at him again and her expression softened. “No, you’re right.” She glanced down at her beer bottle and picked at the label. “I’m glad she has you.”
    “Who has me?”
    “April. You seem--” She paused, like she was searching for the right word. “--committed.”
    He didn’t answer. It wasn’t really a question, but the way she looked at him gave him the feeling she wanted a response.
    She drained her beer and plunked down the bottle. “I should get home.” She stood up.
    Reed stood, too. He left a tip on the table and followed her through the throng of people. The bar was packed, and the music had gotten louder since they’d first walked in. 
    They stepped into the warm, muggy air. It was dusk now, and a neon Lone Star Light sign cast a blue-and-red glow over the sidewalk. As they walked in silence, he thought of what she’d said about her job being meaningful. It was refreshing. Maybe he’d been a cop too long, but he didn’t know anyone who talked about things being meaningful anymore. If they thought about work in those terms, they kept it to themselves. 
    Maybe he was jaded.
    No, he definitely was jaded. But it had more to do with his failed marriage than anything he’d seen on the job.
Reed spotted her little white car and felt a twinge of regret. He’d enjoyed talking to her, enjoyed being near her. And he couldn’t remember the last time that had happened with a woman. Having a beer with Laney had been the highlight of his crap week. Hell, the highlight of his month.
    She looked around. “Where are you parked?” 
    “Around back.”
    She gazed up at him. He couldn’t read her expression.
    “Thanks for the drink,” she said.
    “You bought it.”
    He couldn’t read her tone either. The thrum of music seeped through the thin walls of the bar as they stood there in the light of the beer sign.
    She stepped closer, and a jolt of heat went through him. She looked up at him with those bottomless brown eyes, and he knew he was in trouble. It was a bad idea to involve this girl in his investigation. Whatever useful info she might have was outweighed by the fact that she was young, and edgy, and he wanted her. And she must have seen something in his face because her eyes sparked. 
She went up on tiptoes and kissed him.


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Copyright 2016 Laura Griffin

Amanda Heger -- Without Borders -- Tasty Book Tours

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Without Borders
A Wanderlove Novel
By: Amanda Heger
Releasing April 19, 2016  
Diversion Books

For Annie London, a month in a Central American rainforest means handing out mosquito nets, giving medical aid, and teaching children about the birds and the bees. With any luck, it will also land her application in the “accepted” pile at a top tier medical school. But as soon as she steps off the plane, Annie realizes her bug spray, feeble Spanish, and medical supplies won’t help her deal with her new feelings for Felipe—her best friend's older brother, who's much hotter than she remembers, and who also happens to be the doctor in charge of the trip.
 
Gawking “volun-tourists” may keep his family’s medical clinic afloat, but Dr. Felipe Gutierrez doesn’t have to like them. Or the way they make snap judgments about his practice and the people he cares for. But when his old crush, Annie, shows up to volunteer, her killer curves and kind smile fan the embers of a flame Felipe didn’t realize he’d been carrying. A flame that makes him question all his preconceived notions.
 
As ideas and cultures clash, Annie and Felipe must decide how far outside their comfort zones they are willing to go—both for their work and for one another.

Beth: Welcome, Amanda! Thank you for joining my blog today. Even though, we think no one wants to know... I have to know. Knowing inspires me, so--

1. Who inspires your stories? 

Amy Poehler. Tina Belcher. My friends. The guy at the bus stop. All those butts I saw last week at Thunder from Down Under. 

Basically, everyone everywhere. People watching is one of my favorite past times, and there are so many stories to be found in everyday life. I sometimes fear that I have more story ideas than I’ll ever be able to write.

Beth: "All those butts I saw last week..." Yes. Thank you. Inspiration is everywhere. I love that your story is set in Central America. Though I've never been, reading takes me there! I think all readers are like that. So, tell me--

2. While writing Without Borders, what was the most fun discovery you made about Central America?

Some of the most fun discoveries I made about Nicaragua came from my time living there. It is legitimately gorgeous, the music is fabulous, and the rum is amazing. (Bonus discovery: armadillo isn’t a bad dinner option.)

But while writing the story I discovered how much I wanted to go back. I would love to spend a few nights staring up at the stars, eating gallo pinto, and listening to the rustle of monkeys in the trees above. 

Beth: I'm looking at snow out my window, in April!! So, I totally get that. I would love to be somewhere warm, looking up at the stars. Sounds like a scene I could fit in a book... speaking of scenes--

4. What was your favorite scene to write in Without Borders? Why?

There’s a scene where Annie has to reset a patient’s dislocated shoulder. I watched seventeen million YouTube videos of people getting their shoulders reset to make it as realistic as I could. And it was amazing. Amazingly horrifying. 

By the second or third video I had have an alcoholic beverage to keep from jumping out of my skin. And by the time I actually got around to writing the scene, I’m pretty sure my blood alcohol content was sky high. (Shhh. Don’t tell my editor.)

Good thing I didn’t become a doctor.

Beth: I may need to go back and reread that scene now... ;)

3. Whose story are you working on next? Will we see Annie and Felipe again in the series?

Marisol’s story, Semi-Scripted, is out next. And honestly, I couldn’t be more excited about this one. 

When the book picks up, we find Mari in L.A., chasing a grant that she desperately needs to save her family’s medical clinic. But when her appearance on a late night talk show goes viral, she has to balance her sudden fame with work obligations. Not to mention a blossoming romance with one of the show’s interns. 

Annie and Felipe do make an appearance or two, so you’ll get to catch up with them as well!

Beth: Wonderful! I love when books are connected by the characters. It's a huge bonus to see people again, make sure they're okay. <3 Speaking of okay and happy--

5. What do you do when you're not writing?

I do a lot of the usual stuff: work, pet my dogs, read books. 

But I also do some of the less-usual stuff: wear colorful socks, quote entire episodes of Veronica Mars, take improv classes.

Variety is the spice of life and all that.

Beth: It's such a great pleasure to dig into the mind of a writer [even a little!], and I'm grateful for Amanda's willingness to answer my questions. Do NOT miss her book, Without Borders... [and then the next one, as well, cuz...dude! Books!] And get in on the Rafflecopter, as well. #giveaways are #fun!!

Being a Reader and a Writer

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Because I finished the most amazing book last night...the wee hours of the morning, truth be told. I woke up with my mind, clamoring for a way to describe what I was feeling... and the bottom line?

Being a Reader and a Writer is like being married... [watch the comparisons. I swear, you'll see your writing career in here somewhere]

Seventeen years ago, I married a good-looking, bad boy. Well, he acted like the bad boy--smoked, played cards, drank. But he was...good-looking [have I said that already?], and inside, he was a good guy--even went to church on Sundays. <3 I was so in love...

And we got married. [This is the part where I'm a reader. Looove reading. Can't stop reading. Reading, all night long!]

As happens when you're married [such a good reader], we had kids [I decided to write].

You worry and doubt that you can even raise any kids!! This was a huge deal. What if you let everyone down? What if your kids turned out to be snotty, brats! Or worse, criminals?

But you love those kids so much. They're so danged cute. You don't admit it yet, but there's been a shift. Now it seems like you're spending a lot more time with the kids than with that good-looking guy you married. But it's not bad, because you're on the same page...[speaking of page. This is where I suddenly realize instead of 16 books a month, I'm only doing about 5 books. But the call of that manuscript is strong--and still lovey enough to hold my attention.]

As the kids grow, they begin to demand from you--time, money, ideas. All of a sudden you wake up one morning, and you wonder WTF happened to Us before Them? And you prioritize. You make sure that date money doesn't disappear. And you actually schedule time to be with the good-looking guy you married. [2 years ago, it occurred to me I was reading about 5 books--A. Year! It took me these 2 years to figure out how to rearrange and prioritize my down time, so I could read again.]

[This is me, right now. I've picked up reviewing through Promotion Companies, because I feel it's the only way I can be accountable to my reading! And, one day, in the not too distant future, I'll make it to this next paragraph.]

Eventually the kids mature, they get better with age. They are less demanding and more polished. They will always be a part of your life!! But now, you can enjoy that good-looking guy again. Calls from the kids manage to come during business hours, except for the occasional emergency. Date night [reading] happens more frequently. As a matter of fact, dates are spontaneous and way better than they were all those years ago before you had kids! Sometimes, you even sneak in a date, in the middle of the day! <3

*~*~*

If you haven't had a chance to read one of my reviews yet,

Catch my next REVIEW on April 25th. If you aren't already, subscribe to the blog!!

 

 

Someone To Come Back To -- Roisin Black #BEP -- Promotions

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✰✰BLOG TOUR✰✰

Someone To Come Back To ( Book One In The Omega Security Series) by Roisin Black @bookenthupromo

Genre:Romance

Release Date: April 13, 2016

Hosted by: Book Enthusiast Promotions (http://bookenthusiastpromotions.com )

 

(special limited time price of $2.99)
Amazon US
Amazon UK

 

Róisín Black comes from the West of Ireland, a place where storytelling is a way of life. She’s a dreamer, a wanderer and a writer. In amongst extensive wandering and dreaming she has managed to carve out a successful career as a journalist, hold-down a marriage, produce two amazing children and spend her time with some pretty cool dogs. She currently lives in Queensland, Australia.

Lieutenant John Sullivan of the U.S. Navy SEALs is used to control in all things and especially when it comes to love.  He has one rule.

DO. NOT. GO. THERE.

A recent mission gone wrong sees him seeking refuge at his cabin in the Adirondack wilderness, a place where he goes to deal with the things he has to do as part of his job.

Dr. Maggie O'Brien, Senior Trauma Surgeon at Hillview hospital, New York is dedicated to saving the lives of her patients, leaving her little time for anything resembling a personal life.

When it comes to love she has one belief.

NO. TIME. FOR. THAT.

A work related crisis sees her fleeing New York for the seclusion of the Adirondacks where her burnt-out body and weary soul crave solitude .

The last thing John Sullivan wants whilst he tries to deal with the emotional aftermath of his last mission is the distraction of a fiery red-head with curves that would tempt a saint.

The last thing Maggie O'Brien wants as she finally takes some time to examine her life is to deal with her body's unwanted response to the bossy, over-bearing man who rescued  her in the woods and who drives her crazy in every way.

Soon, though, each realizes the other may not be what they want but what they need. 
However,  ghosts from the past and shocking events from the present shake John to his core and lead him to make a fateful decision that may just cause him to lose the woman he loves, forever.

Thanks for joining me again for another book feature from Book Enthusiast Promotions! This looks to be a good one if you like a steamy, emotional read. :) And it's ON SALE! 

Are You Unlimited?

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I'm a huge user of Amazon Prime. And even if I didn't use the benefits of Prime all year, it would earn its keep in one month at Christmas time. Am I right? We're a military family whose family lives far away. There's little I don't do on Amazon anymore. Especially since I'm not a huge Mall shopper or shopper in general.

Kindle Unlimited works the same. Pay for a subscription, read for free. [Sorta]

And, I've decided to put my books up exclusively on Amazon for a trial period. 

Does it go against the grain? Yes. I don't like putting all my eggs in one basket, and I definitely don't like the monopoly Amazon is building. On the other hand, my books are reaching more readers at Amazon. The only other retailer who competes is Apple, but they are still not having the same results. I've read articles for...and against. And I think it's time to mix things up for Beth Rhodes Books.

I'm curious if you've become a subscriber. I haven't...yet. But I can see how it would be nice. "Like" reading for free. Paying per page, so that if you don't like a book, you can just stop without feeling like you've wasted money.

Don't forget. There's a $5 Amazon GC up for grabs this month on the newsletter list, so if you haven't signed up yet--do it now! And if you're a Facebook Junkie, you can also find me at Beth's Love Junkies for even more discussions and giveaways and whatnot. ;) 

Have a great week!
With Love,
Beth

Expectations

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When romance mirrors real life, how high are the expectations for the hero? Does the author set the bar too high? Are the men we read too romantic? too loving? too sensitive? Where is the line between real life and a good book, and how blurry can the line be?

This is on my mind...mostly because in RL, something happened to me that made me go, "Ugh! Really?!" And it involved something I wanted to do...something we thought wasn't going to be able to happen, but then the turn of events that would allow it to happen, but apparently what I wanted to do was no longer in the forefront of anyone's mind. [sorry to be so vague, but you get the idea] Let's just say, life has its disappointments.

Sooo, that got me thinking about the books I read and how good the heroes are... but, I have to admit, the mark of a great book--for me--is when the characters reveal some of those real life tendencies. The hero who doesn't ask before planning something. The hero who forgot about the so important event. And yes, those books are out there. I read them in the romance genre. And I always smile when the hero messes up. Because it reminds me that we can love imperfection.

Of course, we have to...if we want to love anyone human, that is. hahaha.

And I think the way we romance the reader--as authors--is by revealing the hero's deep down. Deep down, they want to make the heroine happy [and most good men do in RL, too]. Deep down, that oversight or mistake is as innocent as their personality. Men think differently than women, but they want the same things--love, respect, passion. Authors can bring those feelings to the surface.

Romance the reader with Real Life. Just do it.
With Love,
Beth

Work it

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I'm not one for spreadsheets and math. Excel is my Kryptonite...it takes my super powers away. But, recently, we had a family discussion.

After being asked this question at work [and knowing the best answer, of course], my husband came home to ask it of the kids.

If I hired you to work for 30 days, would you rather have $10,000 dollars a day or starting at 1 cent, earn double everyday for 30 days. I admit, I've known my husband long enough to know the right answer wasn't the obvious one. He didn't like calling it a "trick" question. Afterall it's not a trick, just math, but the kids all answered with a resounding...give me 10k a day!!

Go ahead...do the Math. [I'll wait...] Did it look something like this? [only without the cutest little girl in the world?] [and yes, my husband came on and made this Excelsheet for me!]


Sooo, this got me thinking about the writing industry and work, work ethic, longevity. With a market flooded by novels--romance in particular, I'm starting to wonder how many people are willing to take the 10K a day. 

For the really big bucks, you have to be willing to work at least 25 days; you have to be able to work for almost TWENTY DAYS before you see what you'll make in one day at 10K a day. And those first days will be the hardest to get through. Earn a penny?? Work your butt off and not see the results? Ugh. Yuck! In today's age, work for the sake of work is hard to swallow. We want results, now. 

But I really believe that the person who can see this kind of growth, who is willing to hold off on reward and just work, will see a bigger outcome. The truth is, I read a lot of books that I think could have used more work, needed more editing, or just weren't up to par--in general. So, what happened? Was the lure of self-publishing a temptation that couldn't be denied? Everyone else is doing it. Other people are making that 10K a day... 

What happened to the work? People poo-poo traditional publishing, but ten years ago most writers worked for ten years before seeing a return, before making the cut. I think we've lost some of that cut.  There's no need to get the story right, to even listen to the people who know better. The idea of 'this is my story and no one can tell me what to do' has grown out of proportion. I love self-publishing. This isn't a slam on where the industry has gone. I swear it. But...I think the loss of those dreaded gatekeepers--the agents, the NY publishers and editors, even the smallpress publishers and editors--have left the readers with no direction.

I don't want to buy another book that leaves me wanting. I guess, when it comes down to it, I hope the industry can swing back the other way just a little. Find a happier medium than where I feel it is now.

That is all!
What would you rather? $300,000 at the end of the month or $10 million dollars?
Work hard, friends. Be willing to work for nothing. Always push yourself for the sake of doing something to its best.
With Love,
Beth

New Year--Blog Hop

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It's the Last and First round of Just Romance Me Blog Hops! I love how that works... a nice circle in time. The blog keeps going, don't forget to click the link to visit the next blog in line. Life surely doesn't end on 12/31 nor does it really start on 1/1. We just get to keep going...



I'm ending my year thinking, where am I going?
After doing the same thing for the last two years, part of me wants to start the new year differently...

New Genre?
New Publisher?
New schedule?
Maybe an agent?

I've thought I wasn't very goal oriented, but maybe it's not that exactly, maybe it's just that I need new goals. Instead of the usual write three books, sub to this company, sub to that company, write a novella, and do two crits a week--all fine and good--I want my end of year to reflect what I'm doing during the year. 2014 didn't really do that for me.

So, on to 2015...
Tomorrow I'm doing a drawing for all my Newletter subscribers. One copy of Letters From Home, my Christmas story, and a ten dollar Amazon Gift card. So find that little subscription form in the sidebar and sign up. :D <3 It's going to be a great year. Why not start it with a great book?




Letters From Home

An Army doctor, Lena Rodriguez has always been too busy with school or the Army for romance. But the letters she received during deployment have captured her heart. Back home for the holidays, she awaits Christmas morning to meet the man who has turned her life upside down.

When Zack Benson watched his best friend's sister Lena leave for Afghanistan, he knew he had to tell her he loved her. So he sent her anonymous love letters. Now that she’s home, he realizes he's made a tactical error. Lena has fallen for the man in those letters but still thinks of him as a brother. He has to convince her otherwise because if he succeeds, he’ll get the best Christmas present ever. But if he fails, he could lose her for good.




Excerpt:

Now the weekend was upon them. Another tradition checked off. Another day closer to Christmas. She’d always loved the winter carnival, so it had been easy to agree when he’d suggested it. He’d made it clear this was a date. There was no way in heaven or hell she could pretend he didn’t mean a real one this time. Two people, holding hands, eating cotton candy…riding the Ferris Wheel.
“I’m so embarrassed, though.” Lena pulled her jacket closer to her body as the night air took another dive toward freezing.
“Why?” Zack took her hand and pulled her toward the line for the Ferris Wheel.
“My mother is match-making.” She’d been horrified speechless at the realization. “I feel like I should apologize.”
“I don’t think that’s necessary.”
“Of course not. You’re the one who kissed me.”
He shrugged. “Not going to apologize for that, either. Besides, you kissed me back.”
He made her heart pound and her head forget all about the letters. And she wanted to kiss him again, too. Now that she’d had a chance to get used to the idea, she wanted to do a lot more than kiss him. But she’d known him for so long. He was like a brother. A really good-looking, muscley—she shook her head to banish the thought and cleared her throat. Not going to go there.
“I have three years left of my commitment, Zack.” Lena got in line behind another couple then turned to him. “How the heck am I supposed to start a relationship now?”
He lifted a brow. “Are you serious? Isn’t that what you plan on doing with letter guy?”
Heat rose on her cheeks. “Oh, well. That’s different.”
“Why?”
“Because we already have a relationship going.”
“No you don’t.”
“Yes, we do!”
“No.”
She opened her mouth to answer, but just as quickly he grabbed her, circled her neck with his arm, and covered her mouth with his hand. She couldn’t help grinning. All the combatives training she’d done over the years weren’t going to help her against Zack, who’d had the same training, was twice her size, and at least eight inches taller.
Instead of fighting, she put an arm around his waist and tucked her hand into his pocket. She really liked the feel of him at her side. He slowly lowered his hand from her mouth, but his arm stayed at her shoulder. She leaned her head against his chest and soaked in the joyful atmosphere as the crowds slowly dwindled and the night grew dark. Yeah, she could get used to this.

My Babies -- COVER REVEAL!

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Life is full of surprises!! And this past weekend was no exception for this writer...

First, I recieved my edits back, approved! I need to do a run-through with the copy editor and check for all those pesky little mistakes, but the most exciting part [for this visual person] is that they sent the cover of Unwanted Vows. *squeeeee*

*big smiley face*

On top of that... I was officially diagnosed with pre-eclampsia. Bed rest. Hard, inconvenient, but feasible, especially since I was going to have all this "free" time on my hands. Well, that lasted about 3 days. My editor finished reviewing my manuscript, and I delivered Jack Edwin Walter.



A GREAT WEEK!!  

My little baby needs some hospital time, but he is doing so well... he's strong. And sweet. And handsome. And gorgeous. He'll be bulked up in no time! Then he'll be home....

Stay tuned for actual release day news. :D :D 
....on the book. haha. <3




Fools Rush In...

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...and other movies men will watch.

Does your significant other have any secret girl movies he likes to watch?

Mine loves two, Fools Rush In and Overboard [you have to watch it. It's excellent]. Why is that excellent? ...Because I want to watch it.

I think this scene from Fools Rush in is one of the favorites... he often likes to say, "...the white people are melting out here!"


Although, this is definitely a favorite scene, too...



When I wrote my book Letters From Home and the newest, unpublished WIP from the same series, I had this movie in mind. I just love the melding of these two families. The surprises, the fun, and the wee-little-bit of heartache... It's a great way to show how love can happen to anyone.

~*~*~

It's another round of the The Just Romance Me Blog Hop. Wheeehooo! Thanks for being here. And I hope you enjoy the ride. :D I'm giving away a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble Gift Card.

...but wait, there's more!

Just Romance Me is giving away a Kindle Paperwhite w/ Special Offers for the Grand Prize, so keep going. It's just a short skip, hop, and a jump away from the best summer of your life.

Just click the Just Romance Me BLOG HOP image on the right to get back to the hop. :D Then click Next!

Nine Books...what?!

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I'm actually judging a contest over the next several weeks, and I have nine books to read. Whoot! Nine freebies!! All contemporary romance. Even though I'm a little freaked out, because it's been years since I've squeezed 9 books into an entire year, I'm also excited. I rarely get to read the competition....er, fellow writer's work. Sad, but true!

And since I recently finished a manuscript and sent it off to my Editor, this is a perfect time to take a break and let the brain fog up a little. Enjoy a story, sit back and relax....

And announce that I'm pregnant.

YUP. Unexpected blessing number six. :D

Shocked you, didn't I??? Let the comments begin....
With Love,
Beth