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A Romance for Christmas by Kayelle Allen #RLFblog #holiday
A Romance for Christmas
by Kayelle AllenTitle A Romance for
ChristmasGenre Sweet Contemporary Holiday RomanceAuthor Kayelle AllenBook heat level (based on movie ratings): PG13Bestseller on AmazonA cop at the door
on Christmas Eve brings an unexpected gift.
A sweet holiday romance showcasing love, loss, and the spirit of giving.
It’s Christmas Eve, and the end of a year in which everything Dara loves has
been lost. Everything but her little girl and a fierce determination to
survive. When a cop brings Christmas to her door, he brings another gift she
never expected to get.—“Mommy?”
Christine’s young voice broke in on her thoughts.Dara put down
the romance she’d been re-reading, the favorite she’d had since she was
sixteen. She’d sold all her others at a yard sale the previous week. “What
is it, sweetie?”“Why don’t
we has a real tree for Chribmas?”“Why don’t
we ‘have’,” she corrected. “Come sit by me.” Dara patted the
couch and tucked her chenille robe closer around her.One arm around
Matilda, her cloth doll, Christine climbed up beside her mother and cuddled.Matilda’s going to need stuffing before long.
Her head flopped forward, face against her flat chest. When did the lace on her dress get so ragged? Dara smoothed the
doll’s dress. “Remember when Daddy went home to heaven before Christmas
last year?”Christine
knuckled her eyes and yawned. “I ‘member.”“And then
Mommy got hurt in the car accident and couldn’t go to work?”“Uh
huh.”Dara took a deep
breath. “Well, it meant there was no money for a real tree this year. But
I’m sure Santa will still bring you presents.” Gifts Dara bought by
selling her entire collection of romance novels at a yard sale at her friend
Sherilyn’s house. “And we drew a tree, right?” She pointed at the
crayon-bright drawing taped to the wall. Construction paper ornaments decorated
each branch.“But it
doesn’t smell like a Chribmas tree.”Dara hugged her.
“I know, baby. I know.”“How will
Santa leave his presents?” Christine pulled away and got on her knees.
“He can’t put them under the tree, Mommy.”“Oh, honey!”
She ruffled her daughter’s hair, swallowing the lump in her throat. “Santa
will find a way.” She leaned forward and kissed her little girl. “We
should get you in bed so he can come. He can’t leave presents while you’re
awake.”She followed her
daughter into her room, got her tucked into bed and sat beside her, stroking
her golden hair. Christine gazed up at her from under thick dark lashes. Her
deep-blue eyes never failed to remind Dara of her late husband.Jack had been
Dara’s high school sweetheart. Tonight marked a year and nine days since the
accident that had claimed his death. Neither she nor Jack had family other than
each other. His coworkers knew, and they’d helped that first year, bless them.
His senseless death happened right before Christmas. What if something happened
to her too? As an orphan herself, Dara experienced fear and anxiety for her
daughter. Tears of loneliness, terror of the future, of raising her daughter
without Jack at her side. Anger at everything and everyone. At his company for
sending him on the trip. At Jack for going. Guilt for feeling angry ate at her.The night Jack
had left, they’d argued over it and he’d slammed the door when he left. But
then he’d stopped the car halfway down the drive, gotten out, and had come back
inside to kiss her and tell her he regretted having to go, but that he had to.
He promised he’d be back before Christmas. They’d shared a long, cherishing
kiss and she’d waved until he was out of sight.Six hours later,
his plane went down over the Gulf of Mexico in a freak storm. All on board were
lost.More guilt and
doubt set in with the New Year. Things she should have said. Should have done.
Why had she let him go? Why had God allowed her child to grow up without a
father?Her friend
Sherilyn had walked through it all at her side, helping her get a job, watching
Christine, being there when all Dara needed was to cry. This year, the company
had forgotten Jack and the family he left behind. So much for “The Company
with Families at Heart.” Jack’s insurance had paid off the house, and
there was enough money to survive for a few months. While looking for a job,
she’d sold furniture, her good silver, and pawned all her jewelry, except her
wedding ring.Dara rubbed her
face with both hands, willing herself to hold on for her daughter’s sake. To be
strong. To be both mother and father. Women had done it for centuries. They’d
survived. So would she.“Mommy?”
Christine rubbed Dara’s arm. “Read me the story about the mouse that’s
quiet.”“That’s a
great story. My mother used to read it to me when I was little.” Dara
snuggled beside her, and opened her daughter’s favorite Christmas book. At
least she’d been able to give her the gift of reading. When Jack had been
alive, he’d always made sure there was money for books. She would miss her own
collection, but at least Christine would have something from Santa.
“‘T’was the night before Christmas…”After Christine
drifted off to sleep, Dara pushed off the bed. She was gaining strength daily,
and would finish therapy the first week of January and return to work.
Disability paid for the basics – lights, phone, water, trash collection, and
she’d never bought anything on credit, refusing to dig herself into a hole
she’d never escape once it got started.It’ll be great to have a full income again! I
wish it could have come in time for Christmas.She went to the
closet and pulled down a box with a ball, crayons, paper, and three books.
Sherilyn had brought over a few things as well. This wasn’t the grand Christmas
that Dara had wanted for Christine, but Dara had already sold her other
valuables. There was nothing left but her wedding ring.She didn’t wear
it. Removing it had been part of saying good-bye to Jack.Sherilyn had
said it would help, and it had. Sort of. But not much.Dara sank into
one of the kitchen chairs and put her face in her hands.Sometime later,
when the doorbell rang, she grabbed a paper towel and dried her eyes. The clock
over the stove said nine o’clock. Who would be calling at this hour on
Christmas Eve? She stuffed the wet towel in her robe pocket on the way to the
door.A Romance for Christmas Giveaways
Peek inside the
book: http://bit.ly/rom4cmaspeekDownload a free Christmas Cookbook http://kayelleallen.com/media/Christmas.Cookbook.from.Kayelle.Allen.by.Rachel.Paxton.pdfBuy This Book
Amazon US http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OSD716GBarnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-romance-for-christmas-kayelle-allen/1120620607?ean=2940046292565&itm=1&usri=2940046292565Kobo http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/a-romance-for-christmasCreateSpace https://www.createspace.com/5068258About the Author
Kayelle Allen is a best-selling, multi-published, award-winning author. Her unstoppable heroes and
heroines include contemporary every day folk, role-playing immortal gamers, futuristic covert agents, and
warriors who purr.Author Social Media
Website http://kayelleallen.com
Unstoppable Heroes Blog http://kayelleallen.com/blog
Twitter http://twitter.com/kayelleallen
Facebook http://facebook.com/kayelleallen.author
Pinterest http://pinterest.com/kayelleallen/
Goodreads http://goodreads.com/KayelleAllen
Amazon Author page http://amazon.com/author/kayelleallen
Newsletter http://eepurl.com/G3YND -
Cover Love: Say Nothing of What You See @christyeffinger #RLFblog #PNR
Say Nothing of What You See
by Christy EffingerCover Love includes a cover, blurb, buy links, and social
media contacts for the author. Today’s featured book is Say Nothing of What You
See.Author: Christy EffingerGenre: Paranormal New AdultRating: PG-13When her aunt steps off a grain elevator into the emptiness of
a prairie evening, Mira Piper loses her one protector. Chloe, her flighty mother,
impulsively drags her daughter to Bramblewood, an isolated spiritualist retreat
in northern Michigan, run by the enigmatic Dr. Virgil Simon.Chloe plans to train as a medium but it’s Mira who discovers
she can communicate with the dead. When her mother abandons her, Mira discovers
a darker aspect to Bramblewood: the seemingly kind doctor has a sinister side and
a strange control over his students.Then one winter’s day Troy Farrington arrives, to fulfill his
mother’s dying wish and deliver her letter to the doctor. But calamity strikes and
he finds himself a captive, tended by a sympathetic Mira. Haunted by her dead aunt
and desperate to escape Bramblewood, Mira makes a devil’s deal with Dr. Simon. But
fulfillment comes with a steep cost…betrayal.Buy This Book
The Wild Rose Press: http://www.wildrosepublishing.com/maincatalog_v151/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=242_177_1Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/say-nothing-of-what-you-see-christy-effinger/1120219553?ean=2940150511323:Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/books/say-nothing-of-what-you-see/oiWl4gN380KzUjQgGA61WA?MixID=oiWl4gN380KzUjQgGA61WA&PageNumber=1BookStrand: http://www.bookstrand.com/say-nothing-of-what-you-seeGoogle Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Christy_Effinger_Say_Nothing_of_What_You_See?id=5EteBAAAQBAJAuthor Social Media
Website: http://christyeffinger.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/christyeffingerFacebook: http://facebook.com/christyeffingerGoodreads: http://goodreads.com/christyeffingerPinterest: http://pinterest.com/christyeffingerGoogle+: http://google.com/+christyeffinger
Tumblr: http://christyeffinger.tumblr.com -
5 Easy Questions: Jennifer Hayward author of Magnate’s Manifesto #RLFblog #romance
Magnate’s Manifesto
by Jennifer Hayward5 Easy Questions is an interview is designed to be quick, easy,
and fun. Today’s guest is Jennifer Hayward.What is your go-to meal
to order when you dine out? Your favorite “I know it will hit the spot”
item.Pizza. Gourmet pizza with just about anything on it! One of my
latest favourites is one with arugula and pancetta at this amazing pizzeria called
Libretto in TorontoWho is your “book
boyfriend”? You know, that hottie you read about and drool overUndoubtedly Gideon from
Sylvia Day’s Crossfire series. OMG the ultimate male. It doesn’t get any more droolworthy!Would you rather stay
inside and watch snow falling, or get out in it and build a snowman?Inside, with hot chocolate or coffee with Baileys J And
I’m Canadian too!What was your favorite
book as a child?James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl. Such a classic. So imaginative.
My son just read it in school.What was the last movie
you watched (home or theater)?Rush. Utterly amazing movie based on a true story about two race
car drivers who are rivals.About the Book
Title: The Magnate’s ManifestoGenre : Sexy romanceAuthor Name : Jennifer HaywardBook heat level (based on movie ratings): RBillionaire Playboy Ignites International Incident With His Manifesto
On WomenJared Stone: Visionary, rebel, the tech world’s golden boy…and
now the most hated man on the planet!Bailey St. James: Survivor, powerful female executive, the only
woman who refuses to bow down to Jared Stone…and the only woman who can save him?When Jared’s manifesto makes him public enemy #1 the only way
out is to make Bailey an offer she can’t refuse—a very public promotion to VP! Now,
with a major deal on the line and tensions rising, can it be long before Jared and
Bailey move from spreadsheets to bed sheets?Buy This Book
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/The-Magnates-Manifesto-Harlequin-Presents/dp/0373133014/ref=tmm_mmp_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1415296026&sr=8-1Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-magnates-manifesto-jennifer-hayward/1119709628?ean=9780373133017&itm=1&usri=9780373133017Mills and Boon – http://www.millsandboon.co.uk/the-magnates-manifestoAbout the Author
Jennifer Hayward has been a fan of romance since filching her
sister’s novels to escape her teenaged angst.Her career in journalism and PR, including years of working alongside
powerful, charismatic CEOs and traveling the world, has provided perfect fodder
for the fast-paced, sexy stories she likes to write, always with a touch of humour.A native of Canada’s East coast, Jennifer lives in Toronto with
her Viking husband and young Viking-in-training.Author Social Media
Twitter: http://twitter.com/jenhayward_ -
5 Easy Questions: Anita Philmar @anitaphilmar #RLFblog #erotic
Deputy’s Bride 5 Easy Questions is an interview is designed to be quick,
easy, and fun. Today’s guest is Anita Philmar.Who is your “book
boyfriend”? You know, that hottie you read about and drool over.I have to say I feel in love with Bo and Chase from my book Deputy’s
Bride. True cowboys, they get me hot just thinking about themWould you rather stay
inside and watch snow falling, or get out in it and build a snowman?Both, I enjoy getting out and building the snowman, but love
sitting next to a fire and watching the snow fall.What was the last movie
you watched (home or theater)?Date Night – I enjoyed how the couple was struggling with keeping
the romance alive. Maybe why I have my romantic tip blog because we can all use
help with our love life.If you’re on Twitter,
what’s your favorite hashtag to watch?Right now, I’m watching the #HolidayRecipe because there are
so many wonderful recipes to try out.If the hero of your latest
book called you on the phone, what would be a perfect ringtone for him?When you’re hot, you’re hot, when you’re not, you’re not.About the Book
Title Deputy BrideGenre Erotic Romance
Author Name Anita PhilmarBook heat level (based on movie ratings): RA hot, historical western stand-alone story with a satisfying
HEA.Texas Deputy Bo Kildare is looking for a special kind of lady,
one that is willing to meet his special requirements. No sweet little virgin will
do, he wants a woman who knows how to please a man, perhaps two.Recently widowed, Sarah Elizabeth Foster-LaFever has lived in
the public eye for the last few years and wants out. Her reputation as Micah LaFever’s
wife has left her penniless and without many viable options until Bo comes calling.Now, she believes she found the perfect man until her past rears
its ugly head. Can murder and corrupt dealings keep these two lovers from making
it to the alter?Buy This Book
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Deputys-Bride-Naked-Bluff-Texas-ebook/dp/B00NUTJ5N6Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/deputys-bride-anita-philmar/1120622534?ean=2940046357318ARe https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-deputy039sbride-1689844-357.htmlSmashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/486387Author Social Media
Website: http://www.anitaphilmar.com/Blog: http://www.anitaphilmar.blogspot.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/anitaphilmarFacebook: www.facebook.com/anita.philmar -
#amreading Christmas Delights a new #romance by Heather Hiestand @HeatherHiestand #RLFblog
Christmas Delights This quick interview includes info about the author, and introduces
the story.About the Author
Heather Hiestand was born in Illinois, but her family migrated west before she
started school. Since then she has claimed Washington State as home, except for
a few years in California. She wrote her first story at age seven and went on to
major in creative writing at the University of Washington. Her first published fiction
was a mystery short story, but since then it has been all about the many flavors
of romance. Heather’s first published romance short story was set in the Victorian
period and she continues to return, fascinated by the rapid changes of the nineteenth
century. The author of many novels, novellas, and short stories, she is a bestseller
at both Amazon and Barnes and Noble. With her husband and son, she makes her home
in a small town and supposedly works out of her tiny office, though she mostly writes
in her easy chair in the living room. She also writes as Anh Leod.
Heather loves to hear from readers! Visit her website for contact information.Interview with Heather Hiestand
Why did you write this
book?I have been dancing around the Christmas season in a few of my
Redcakes series books and wanted to make sure I had a proper Christmas read to round
out the series. When you have books that involve so many baked goods, the holidays
are a perfect time of year to embrace! I also wanted to make sure Lewis Noble, my
hero, had a happy ending, after being shot down romantically in The Marquess of
Cake, Redcakes #1. He’s become a reader favorite character. My heroine, Victoria
Courtnay, has also had rough luck in romance and I wanted her to have a love story.What is your favorite
genre to read?I’ve been a romance reader since about 1993. I dabble-read in
everything, but primarily read romance. I like books that uplift me and have positive
messages. I don’t need that much reality in my fiction! Give me true love any day.Who is your favorite character
from fiction (not including your own)?Kivrin from Connie Willis’s Doomsday Book. This is such a powerful
read and makes me cry. Kivrin is a time traveler to the time of the Black Death.What are you working on
at the moment, and will see from you in coming months?I just did plotting for Trifling Favors, which will be the seventh
Redcakes book. I’ll be writing that in early 2015. I’ve also plotted the first book
in a new series for my editor’s consideration, and I continue to work on another
idea when I have time, set earlier in the nineteenth century than the Redcakes series.
My next release will be in August 2015. That is Wedding Matilda, the sixth Redcakes
book.Please tell us about your
latest book.The sweetest gift is the hardest to unwrap. . .Lady Victoria Allen-Hill never dreamed she’d be a widow at twenty-one–let
alone a virgin. Her father insists that she attend a matchmaking house party in
the snow-covered seaside town of Pevensey in hopes she’ll find a suitable husband.
But for Victoria, it’s an opportunity to indulge in a passionate affair–and the
handsome inventor she meets at the Christmas Eve masquerade ball may be just the
man for the job. . .Lewis Noble is the cousin of London’s famed Redcake sisters,
so it almost stands to reason that he’s just as irresistible as one of their sugar-iced
pastries. Lewis catches the eye of every woman at the party–but Victoria is the
only one who catches his. He won’t be tied down in her father’s business, but watching
other men court her amid a flurry of engagements ignites a jealousy he’s never felt
before. A dose of honesty may be just the thing to mend their broken hearts–for
many holidays to come. . .About the Book
Title Christmas DelightsGenre Historical RomanceAuthor Heather HiestandBook heat level (based on movie ratings): RBuy This Book
Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/christmas-delights-heather-hiestand/1119633674?ean=9781601832580ARe https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-christmasdelights-1624223-237.htmlGoogle https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Heather_Hiestand_Christmas_Delights?id=5MCnAwAAQBAJAuthor Social Media
Website http://www.heatherhiestand.comAmazon Author Page http://www.amazon.com/Heather-Hiestand/e/B004NG0A98/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1418505812&sr=1-2-ent -
5 Easy Questions: Christine Ashworth author of Christmas Star @CCAshworth #RLFblog #holiday
Christmas Star 5 Easy Questions is an interview is designed to be quick,
easy, and fun. Today’s guest is Christine Ashworth.What is your favorite
go-to meal to order when you dine out? Your favorite “I know it will hit the
spot” item?Honestly? A hamburger and fries. Or eggplant parmigiana. Beef
panang. Confession time…I like a lot of different foods!What were you like when
you were in school?In high school, I was impatient with my peers. I was usually
in the ballet studio – I knew what I wanted to do with my life, and it didn’t include
gossiping about football players. Of course, I haven’t danced ballet in too many
years now.Would you rather stay
inside and watch snow falling, or get out in it and build a snowman?Both! I grew up in San Diego, and live in the Los Angeles area
– I love snow, both watching it fall and getting out in it to build snowmen. But
only if I’ve got the proper clothes, and know that there’s a fire and my hubby waiting
for me to get me warm.If you’re on Twitter,
what’s your favorite hashtag to watch?I love checking in on the #1k1hr hashtag. I almost always make
new friends that way, too.What was the last movie
you watched (home or theater)?“The Red Violin”. An AWESOME film that I’ve watched
several times now.About The Book:
Title: Christmas StarGenre: Contemporary RomanceAuthor: Christine AshworthBook heat level: PG13After a whirlwind courtship, the Christmas season finds plain-Jane-with-a-secret
Elle Houston engaged to one of the brightest stars in the Hollywood firmament–and
falling for the personal chef at her ritzy, pre-wedding resort.Elle doesn’t know for sure if marrying Taylor Collins, superstar,
is the right thing to do. Separated by a continent four days before their wedding,
Elle is waiting at a private resort as her doubts escalate. Hunky Chef Luc Favreau
isn’t helping, with his Christmas cookies, and hot chocolate, and his ability to
really listen, to really see a girl for who she is, rather than who he wants her
to be…Buy this book:
Boroughs Publishing Group: http://boroughspublishinggroup.com/books/christmas-starAmazon: http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Star-Tide-Book-ebook/dp/B00OM0TX7A/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1413586441&sr=1-1&keywords=Christmas+Star+by+Christine+AShworthBarnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/christmas-star-christine-ashworth/1120611206?ean=2940046352498ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-christmasstar-1652296-177.htmlSmashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/485466About the Author
Website: http://christine-ashworth.comTwitter: https://twitter.com/CCAshworthGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/ChristineAshworth
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Christine-Ashworth/e/B004WXK66O/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1