My Love For Opening Scenes in the 1st Place

For the past two months, I've featured some of my favorite openings from a few memorable books I've read throughout the years. And can you believe, I've found some more?

After searching through my kindle, I couldn't help but share a few attention-grabbing paragraphs and/or lines from several amazing authors I've read recently. I hope you enjoy them!

Sinful

By Sharon Page:

He had caught gangs of murderers in the stews off Whitechapel High Street. Arrested opium dealers in seedy brothels near London docks. But in all the years he had worked for Bow Street as a Runner, Trevelyan Foxton had never been required to investigate in a more foreign and intimidating place.

His Magick Touch

By Kimberly Killion:

The bastard was finally going to kill her.

Touch

By Julie Destry:

It was midnight dark in the room - the kind of blackness that was almost, but not quite, absolute. It wrapped a sense of privacy around her, the same as she'd done with the complimentary satin robe. Anonymity. Such a strange concept for a woman used to being in the spotlight.

Written in Blood

By Elaina Lee:

A strong curl of anxiety bunched in Lyndi Crisdean's stomach. Three days wasn't long enough to recover from what she'd done. Yet, the choice was out of her control. Either she returned to work today, or she turned in her resignation. Taking a deep breath, she pushed the button to her law firm's floor. Defense attorneys didn't get the luxury of guilt.

I'd also love to know some of your favorites too. So, at the end of this post in the comments section, please feel free to let me know what opening paragraphs have caught your attention. It means so much to me to see your smiling faces show up in the comments section so I'll thank you all ahead of time for doing so!

Renee Vincent
http://www.reneevincent.com/

Oh, and by the way, I am also blogging at Sweet N Sexy Divas  where I feature hot snippets from authors whose heroes weren't afraid to be a little soulful, sappy, or even suggestive when it came to the heroine. I'd love for you to hop on over and visit me.

Have a great week!

Guest Blog: Melissa Keir: Mothers and Sons

With Mother’s Day happening this month, I decided to share about why I feel parent/child relationships are important and why I include them in my books.

Just as fathers and daughters have a special bond, so do mothers and sons. I’m fortunate to have one of each. My daughter is a lot like me, driven and a type-A personality. She knows what she wants and goes after it fill throttle. I’m very proud of her dedication and hard work. We are close and good friends, but it is the relationship with my son which always amazes me.

My son is very different than my daughter but I’m just as proud of him. He plans his life around a balance of work and play. He is more laid back on the surface but worries a great deal about other people and how he impacts them. At eighteen he started his own IRA in order to make sure that he was ready for retirement. Mind you, he had only had one job so far at a local retail store. Each day he calls me when he is on his way home from work or college so that I don’t worry and shares his thoughts about his day. He constantly makes sure that I’m okay financially, emotionally, and physically. It is those feelings that we each have to take care of each other that makes our relationship truly exceptional.

Because of my relationship with my son, I incorporated two little boys for the the main character of Second Time’s the Charm and the sequel, Three’s a Crowd. Lissa would do anything for those boys. One of my favorite scene in the story is the one where Lissa is getting ready for her best friend, Chloe’s son’s birthday party. The goofy accident that happens is exactly what could have happened in my own house. While the nose accident is completely made up, all too often for my taste, my son had quite a few accidents over the years. Each time, I ended up seeing a unique strength in my son.

When my son was younger we used to spend a couple of minutes before bedtime, laying in his bed and talking about his fears, feelings, and dreams. That time was the most precious time for me. It helped established the close relationship we have. My children are a huge part of my life and made me who I am. It’s that connection that I hope to convey in my stories. After all, being a parent is a lifetime job and one I’m very proud of.

BLURB:
For Lissa, the second time at love was a charm but in marriage, three’s a crowd.

Single mother Lissa Vincent found her soul mate in her best friend’s ex-husband. Alex Hunter couldn’t believe his fortune when his ex-wife told him her best friend was available. After divorce, finding love again could be a challenge but it appeared Alex and Lissa had gotten lucky. Yet as they start their lives as newlyweds, Alex and Lissa don’t realize just how difficult it might be to blend a family.

When Alex’s ex new marriage begins to unravel, she sets her sights again on Alex. Does Alex still have feelings for the mother of his child? Will Lissa keep her best friend or lose her husband?

Fairy tales promise a happily-ever-after. But what really happens after the after.

BIO:
As a writer, Melissa likes to keep current on topics of interest in the world of writing. She’s a member of the Romance Writers of America and EPIC. Melissa is always interested in improving her writing through classes and seminars. She also believes in helping other authors and features authors and their books on her blog.

Melissa doesn’t believe in down time. She’s always keeping busy. Melissa is a wife and mother, an elementary school teacher, a book reviewer, an editor for a publishing company as well as an author. Her home blends two families and is a lot like the Brady Bunch, without Alice- a large grocery bill, tons of dirty dishes and a mound of laundry. She loves to write stories that feature “happy endings” and is often found plotting her next story.

http://www.melissakeir.com
http://www.facebook.com/melissaakeir
http://www.facebook.com/AuthorMelissaKeir (fan page)
www.twitter/melissa_keir

Introducing The Ladies of Wild At Heart

Today I have the honor of sitting down with Angela Clayborn and Emma Nichols, co-heroines from Wild At Heart.

K:  Greetings ladies:)

A:  Hello again!

E:  Hi Kenzie:)  Thanks for having us back in better weather this time!

A:  It's not snowing this time, but the rain can stop anytime now.  I'm ready for more 80 degree weather.

K:  I hear you!  My son's playing baseball and we've already endured one rainy game, plus a few practices have been cancelled due to the weather.

Is everything still okay between you two?

A:  Definitely.  I think we're all happier now.  Wouldn't you say, Emma?

E:  Yeah. I like the new cover! I'm glad we're being-what did you call it?-re-released closer to our timeline.

K:  That's exactly what's happening.  I'm not going to bad-mouth anyone, so suffice it to say, things didn't work out the first time around, so I was graciously granted my rights back.  My new publisher is totally in love with you two, and fast-tracked it.

E:  I see.

K:  How's Brad?  I've tried to get him to talk to me, but he won't.

E:  I've kept him pretty busy:)  I'm also training him as a part-time stable hand.

K:  What about you, Angie?  Are you happy with the new cover and the re-release?

A:  I like the depiction of Indiana better on the other cover, but I'm happy with the new one.  It's more like a 'Little House on the Prairie' look.  And in case people don't remember, I can't believe I was in such denial about Steve.  I had started dating Brad because my friends thought he was perfect for me, but it just goes to show you can't force chemistry.

E:  And you and Steve definitely have it.  We went out to dinner last night before the rain arrived, and Steve couldn't keep his hands off of her.

A:  Well neither could you and Brad.

K:  I also want you both to know that your story will be available on Kindle the first week in June, and I'm going to be in Estes Park late July/early August, Emma, so I hope to present Nicky's manager with a signed cover flat.

E:  Cool; I know she'll like it!  Brad's getting me one so I can find that scene in Anny's book.

A:  Who's Anny?  And she wrote a book?

K:  Anny's a good friend of mine, Emma.  Contact me when you get your Kindle and I'll email Anny's website to you.  She's got a lot of other books you might like, plus I'll introduce you around to other wonderful e-books and authors.

E:  Awesome!  Thanks!

A:  I told Steve I wanted a Nook for my birthday.  After that controversy on Amazon a few years ago, I'll buy from somewhere else.

E:  They pulled the book, Angie....but I see your point.

K:  My books are on the Nook, so if you want to read them, either way is good.  Time's up ladies; I need to fix dinner for the family.  Thanks for coming by!

A:  Thanks for the yummy cookies!  I need your recipe.

E:  Don't tell Nora, but your chocolate chips are better than hers.

K:  Who do you think gave me the recipe?  I've improved on them, that's all.


Wild At Heart,
Available May 31st at Secret Cravings Publishing

I also have another book releasing this month, to my surprise!  

This is what happens when you have two publishers; sometimes the timing overlaps.  I never ever thought this would happen to me, but it did.  So indulge me a few more minutes of your time?  This book releases May 29th and you can pre-order it at Freya's Bower.   

Here's the blurb and a short excerpt.  Enjoy!

Blurb:
Austin Harmon is intrigued by his quiet, efficient new administrative assistant. Why does she have an obsession with her watch, and what does she do after hours?

Cara has put her social life on hold while caring for her elderly mother. But after her boss helps her through a crisis, she can't deny their attraction. Romance and Alzheimer's don't mix... or do they?

Excerpt:

Austin captured her once inside the darkened office and swung her into his arms for another kiss.  Her shoes hit the floor as she moaned, and felt his tongue slip past her teeth.

Cara struggled and tore her mouth from his.  “Wait. This can’t be happening.”



“Why not?  I’ve enjoyed the past two weeks of getting to know you.  I’d like to get to know you a little better, that’s all.”  Austin pulled her back and covered her mouth with his.



She hesitated a moment.  How long had it been since her last kiss?  It’d been two years since David had broken up with her, not understanding her responsibilities to her mother.  With a muffled groan, Cara tossed her purse to the floor and twined her arms around his neck.  Moisture pooled between her thighs as his tongue explored the corners of her mouth.  She eagerly returned the kiss, and was rewarded when one of Austin’s hands slid upwards to palm her breast.  Cara didn’t pull away; soon his cool fingers slid inside her bodice and nudged the lace of her bra aside.  She moaned when he rolled the nipple between two fingers and pressed herself closer to him.  Dimly in the background, she heard the vague tones of Bette Midler singing “Wind Beneath My Wings.”

“Wait. My phone’s ringing.  Austin,” she pleaded and forced herself to pull away.

“Can’t you ignore it?” He panted, reaching for her waist.

“I can’t.  This one is important.”  Cara stepped to the side and fumbled with the clasp with shaking hands.  Doreen wouldn’t have called unless something happened!  One look at the clock on the outside told her it was past ten o’clock.  “Hi, it’s Cara.”  She cleared her throat to sound normal.  “I’m sorry, Doreen, I just looked at the clock–What?”  She reached back for Austin’s hand to steady herself.  “Oh my god, which hospital?  Thanks.  I’ll be right there.”  She snapped her phone shut and whirled around.  “I have to go.”

“Wait a moment, Cara.  Hospital?  Let me go with you.”

Cara shook her head as she tried to shove her feet into her shoes.  “No, this is something I have to do.  It’s my responsibility.  Besides, you have guests.”  

Remember; you can pre-order this book here:) 

See you next month!

Guest Blog: Caridad Pineiro: Challenging Myself as an Author

Thank you for letting me visit to chat about my two new releases. As an author, I always strive to create something new for readers and to challenge myself as well. I hope that readers will definitely think I’m bringing something different with my two new novellas.

I have to confess that it was a challenge to create a romantic arc in so few pages. It was also tough to create a mystery plot in GHOST OF A CHANCE and a new shifter mythology in THE SHIFTER’S KISS in shorter works.

I set GHOST OF A CHANCE along the Jersey Shore and wrote a story where the mystery revolved around a murder/suicide that had happened during Prohibition. It was fun doing the research and working in facts about what happened along the Jersey Shore during those years. It was also a lot of fun to add not only the ghostly element to them, but the romance between true crime writer Tracy Gomez and sexy Peter, the lawyer who has put together the crew he hopes can solve the mystery.

To read an excerpt from GHOST OF A CHANCE, you can visit http://www.scribd.com/doc/124143411/ghost-of-a-chance-paranormal-mystery-e-novella

For THE SHIFTER’S KISS, I went for a totally different feel for the novella by choosing the San Blas Islands. The indigenous people there believe in shark gods who protect their islands and I used that to create a mythology about Nali, a shark-shifting goddess who is the last of her kind.

It became a very emotional story for me as I imagined how lonely Nali would be as the last one of her kind. It also upped the kind of sacrifice she would have to make to find and keep the man she came to love. It was a challenge working in the romance arc with the erotic story elements, but for me the romance has to be there otherwise the sexiness falls flat.


To read an excerpt from THE SHIFTER’S KISS, you can visit http://www.scribd.com/doc/126375941/THE-SHIFTER-S-KISS-Erotic-Paranormal-Romance-Novella

BIO:
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author and RITA® Finalist Caridad Pineiro wrote her first novel in the fifth grade when her teacher assigned a project – to write a book for a class lending library. Bitten by the writing bug, Caridad continued with her passion for the written word and in 1999, Caridad’s first novel was released. Over a decade later, Caridad is the author of nearly 40 published novels and novellas. When not writing, Caridad is an attorney, wife, and mother to an aspiring writer and fashionista. For more information, please visit www.caridad.com.

I hope you will enjoy reading the stories as much as I enjoyed writing them! Thank you, for letting me visit!

The Parade Inside !

Here's two covers from my Passionate Pursuit series. And a blurb from Dangerous Pursuit. No. five in the series, Daunting Pursuit is being edited so I'm delighted with that. And here are some words of wisdom from a world famous artist. I love this thought. Words of wisdom indeed.

 

Joan Miro, one of the most celebrated artists in the modern world, had this marvelous sentiment on his 85^th birthday. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times and the New York Times, he urged reporters not be deceived by his demeanor.

Deprecating his fame, he said, “I live like a normal citizen. But there is a Catalan saying that the parade marches inside you. What happens is inside.”

 

The world knows that what happened inside him produced a lifetime of sometimes amusing, sometimes thoughtful, but always powerful abstract paintings that changed the world’s view of modern art. 

So what’s going on inside you? It doesn’t have to be earthshaking, but it IS important. Like a pebble dropped in a pond, the widening circles of your action might astonish you if you could only know. My personal philosophy is that every one you pass by can be affected by a smile on your face. So I’m a Pollyanna! I like being one.  

Naturally I have to include an excerpt from my latest release, Dangerous Pursuit. From the Passionate Pursuit series of eight books from Ellora’s Cave. This is mild erotica. 

“Nicki looked at the handsome face slowly descending to hers and knew she should run. Once she let him kiss her, she sensed she’d never escape. Not until he wanted her to go. Ordinarily that thought would have had her scooting out of his reach, trying to protect herself from the heartbreak that would come from loving Vale. Every woman who saw him wanted him. Why should he stay constant to one?

But his eyes were heavy with desire, and she’d never seen anything like their narrow-minded intent. Such beautiful eyes. He was about to kiss her with the passion she’d always longed for, and never expected to find.

She’d fought off groping hands as many nurses had, and she never let herself be alone with Pringly. He’d tried to take her to dinner in spite of the stricture against hospital staff dating. He’d tried to corner her in the hall, in the clean-up room after an operation, even in some of the patient’s private rooms. Always the ones who were too sick to be believed if they reported such an unlikely thing as a doctor raping a nurse. Finally, fearing for her virginity, she’d left the hospital. Although she liked nursing, she didn’t think she’d go back to it as a profession. Genealogy was fascinating, and a much safer occupation for a young woman.

Now she’d found the one man for her, even though her mind told her it was temporary. Vale would be hers only for a brief time, but perhaps she should taste love while she had the chance. Surely she’d never match the intensity of her feelings for Vale with any other man.

Her lips felt hot, her body throbbed in a manner that surely was indecent, but she couldn’t possibly turn her face away from his. Her lower body in particular pulsated as she felt his lower body pressing against hers.  More than anything else she wanted his kiss. His kiss that she knew would open a new world for her. And she craved whatever else he chose to show her. Anything he wanted she wanted. He’d leave her eventually, she realized that, although she strove to smother the thought. Perhaps she could somehow learn to be such a passionate lover he would stay with her for a glorious while.

She never thought she’d allowed herself to be so passive. But he’d become irresistible. His fantastic and alluring looks, his eyes that bored into her very soul and made her feel she was the most desirable woman in the world. Even the way he moved. Like some jungle creature sure of his power and narrowing in on his prey. But his manner did not seem that of an overbearing and arrogant male animal. She thought him above resorting to domination. Never ruthless. He seemed as anxious to please her as she was to please him.

She was completely confused but she no longer cared.” 

Available at Ellora’s Cave, Amazon and Barnes and Noble. And of course my website, www.jeanhartstewart.com

 

 

 

Guest Blog: Kim McNiel: I'm a "Pantser"!

Panster! I realize that I am a complete panster and it’s just something I have to accept.

I’ve tried several times to plan out my writing, made an outline and everything, only to have my characters not cooperate. My muse can be quite difficult sometimes and very determined. Even if I have something lined out sitting next to me, when I begin typing my brain and fingers deviate from any plans I have. Over time I finally dismissed even making an outline, it never works for me.

As I begin typing, the story tells itself. It kind of surprised me because normally during the other things in my life, I seem to have things somewhat planned and organized, but not when it comes to writing.

That is completely a fly by the seat of my pants, but it works for me.

BIO:
Kim McNiel is a good ole' country girl at heart. She was born and raised in a small Texas town called Spring. As the mother of three, she spent most of her adult life dedicated to raising her family. With her children almost grown, she decided to fulfill her dream of writing. Her best friend, told her "pen to paper sweetie, never give up, and never let anyone tell you that you CAN'T--" she heeded his advice and didn't. She writes contemporary and steamy romance and several memoir pieces on the back burner.

BLURB:
Caleb loves the ladies and can't keep his ego in his pants. With a new set of legs to wrap around him every two nights, he never thinks about what he'd do if Sarah caught him - until she does.

he repercussions are cataclysmic, giving him a second chance at life. Who is Caleb really? The ego or the man he professes to be? This playa plays to win.

SYNOPSIS:
Living a double life, Caleb is a hard-working and self-assured man, who doubles as an arrogant, cocky and womanizing prick. With his choices of women on a layaway plan, he’s never lonely.

Caleb believes he’s nailed the market on being the ultimate playa and never wonders what the consequences could be if Sarah, his live in, ever found out…until she does. When Sarah turns his life upside down, Caleb loses it and catastrophe follows not far behind.

When his world gets flipped right size up, he begins to realize the things that are really important to him. Although Caleb makes some ultimate sacrifices to save his pride, ego and relationship with Sarah, he still hides one very important secret.

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