Inspired by Memories

by Jennah Scott

I’m so excited for The Devil’s Bond. The idea for the story came to me when I was on a trip to South Dakota. My family and I stopped at all the tourist sites: Mount Rushmore, Devil’s Tower, Crazy Horse, and a few other small ones. At each place my husband took loads of pictures, giving me time to absorb the scenery. The location that stuck with me the most was Devil’s Tower. I stood at the bottom of the tower and looked up to the sky. The beauty rendered me speechless. A couple of people were climbing the monument while we were there, which was beyond amazing. I’m slightly afraid of heights so the thought of doing what they were doing was anxiety inducing! And awe-inspiring at the same time.

As we walked the trail around the bottom the idea for Garrett and Annaliese began to form. The prayer ties caught my attention almost immediately and I knew right away that’s what Garrett went to the Tower for. Each piece of the puzzle came together and on our ten-hour trip home I wrote non-stop.

So this story is inspired by memories. I hope you enjoy Annaliese and Garrett’s adventure in love. 

Blurb:

On a vacation she didn’t ask for, Annaliese Becker follows her muse from Dallas to Freewill, Wyoming. Along the way, she takes pictures and sketches monuments—like Devil’s Tower. A brief glimpse of a handsome Native American makes an impression on the artist.

Fulfilling a promise to his grandfather, Garrett Falcon stops at Devil’s Tower and spots a lovely woman. When he meets her in Freewill, he believes fate has spoken and pursues Annaliese—determined to convince her to stay in Freewill—with him. 

Vacations are supposed to end, but her heart longs to stay in Freewill. Can Garrett convince her they were meant to be together? 

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | All Romance eBooks | Decadent

About the Author:

Born and raised in Texas, Jennah is a transplant to Missouri long enough ago she should probably consider that her hometown. But she will forever be a Texan. She loves to write any story that will make a reader smile, laugh, and maybe even cry (although you won't ever hear her admit that she cries). Whether the next story she writes is contemporary, urban fantasy, LGBT, or whatever other crazy idea she comes up with, there will always be love and romance in the midst of trials and turmoil.

When she's not writing you can find her on Twitter, with her family, or buried in a book trying to escape reality for just a minute.

Contact Details: 

Website: www.jennahscott.com

Email: Jennah.scott01@gmail.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorjennahscott

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Jennah_scott 

Enjoy the following excerpt for The Devil’s Bond:

   The clean scent of pine and sage from the prayer ties attached to the trees surrounded her. She added pieces of cloth to her mental checklist of details to include. These prayers represented the people of the area. The sacredness of the tower.

   Over the years, she’d learned remembered sounds and fragrances added depth to her paintings.

   “Excuse me, ma’am.” She turned around and found a park ranger behind her, his arms folded across his chest. The gold badge on his left pocket stood out against the green of his shirt. 

   “Yes, sir?”

   “I’m sorry, but the park closes at sunset. I’m going to have to ask you to make your way down the trail.”

   “No problem. I’ll just gather my things and head back. It’s so peaceful out here, I’d like to say I lost track of time. But that’s not true. The sunset was too hard to resist. I’m sure you understand.” She picked up her sketchbook, charcoals, and pencils then placed them in their respective spots in her bag. The sketch she’d started wasn’t complete, but she had enough to continue it once she’d settled into the hotel for the night.

   The ranger offered a polite smile and held his hand out to help her stand. “I do, ma’am. It’s very peaceful out here. I’ve spent many nights under the stars, escaping the hustle and bustle of life.” 

   Oh, to see the night sky unhindered by city lights and sounds. “I can imagine. Have a nice evening.” 

   As Annaliese moved away from the ranger, she caught sight of another man a few feet off and to the left. The trees kept him hidden from her direct line of sight. Long, shiny, black-as-midnight hair fell down his back. From where she stood, only his profile was visible. He had skin the color of hot cocoa; sharp lines from his cheek and jawbone framed his face. He reached overhead and tied a purple swath of cloth to the tree. His lips moved, and she wondered what he was saying.

   He tilted his head back and, for a split second, their gazes locked. She jumped, startled at the intense connection snapping between. A desire to remember his features, paint him, enveloped her artist’s senses.

   A gruff sound from the ranger pulled her from her desires and daydreams. It was time to go. Freewill, Wyoming awaited her arrival. 

Baring It All

Bared Essentials available HERE

By Denise McCray

Hi all!

Hope you’re having a great summer so far. The weather here in the Burgh has been pretty up and down. For the most part, it hasn’t been too hot and this week it’s actually going to be a little cool for early August. As a middle-aged female, cool temperatures in the midst of summer are good, no, fantastic.  It’s bad enough we’re dealing with hot flashes, and hot, humid weather only adds to our misery.

Last week I took my niece, sister-in-law and great nieces and nephews to a local amusement park, Kennywood. We had a ball, riding the rollercoasters, playing games and of course sampling all the goodies. The park was packed with visitors from all over the tri-state area. Families streamed in with giggling children and coolers full of food and drinks. Everyone appeared to be having a wonderful day.

What a few of them seemed to have forgotten though was the rest of their clothing. I mean, there were women and a few men with next to nothing on their bodies. One of my dearly departed mother’s favorite activities while in the park was sitting back and commenting on people’s state of undress. She’d shake her head and point them out, despite our requests she not do so.

Although walking around in public in a pair of skimpy shorts and a midriff baring top is not my thing, especially since I’m not as toned as I used to be (stop laughing), at least they wore something. Not like the characters in my novella, Bared Essentials, who let it all hang out on a tropical island. Of course, wearing no clothes saved time when they wanted to get it on ;-)

Till we meet again, stay cool and enjoy the rest of your summer!

Love,

Denise 

A New Threat?

Buy Ice & Peace HERE

By Clare Dargin

The second book in my romantic and exciting series Cold Warriors is now available.  Here's a quick look!

The ColdWarriors Universe Book Two- Ice and Peace

A New Threat? After a long and vicious war, peace is on the horizon for Earth and its allies. However, a series of mysterious attacks on several secret military installations causes hostilities to rise once again.

Redemption. Having left under a cloud of disgrace, retired Marine Colonel Medoro Keegan is called back to duty.

Bound. His wife Caitlin, the only surviving member of her team, chooses to embrace life, albeit grudgingly, as a cryo soldier. Seen as sub-human, she is forced to serve a planet that denies her rights as a person.

Driven. Guided by their sense of duty and belief that some things are bigger than them, they are determined to risk it all.

 Hope. The cost of war is high. Can their love and marriage survive? Or will it be killed off by the very same mission that brought them together?

  

Genre: Sci-fi romance, military romance, interracial/multicultural, futuristic, end of the world

Heat level: 2

Word count: 43K 

~Excerpt~ 

Caitlin was a sight for sore eyes. She was beautiful. Her petite frame was perfectly accented by the curves of her figure. And her brown eyes and coffee-brown skin was smooth, creamy.

Standing at attention, she did not meet his gaze. Though it was customary not to do as a sign of military courtesy, he could tell she was not doing it for that reason. Her gaze was different. Circling her, he tried to see if he could catch her watching him out of the corner of her eye. In fact, she appeared to be staring blankly ahead.

Peering directly at her, he spoke in a soft tone. “At ease.”

She relaxed.

“Cate. Can you hear me?”

“Yes, sir,” she responded mechanically.

Pain pierced his insides. She was definitely not there. Keegan placed his hands on his hips and hung his head in defeat. The one thing that was supposed to go right did not. For whatever reason, they had placed her in a deeper state of mental control than she’d ever been in. He controlled the hostile emotions brewing with him. Touching her face gently, he felt her icy skin.

This is unacceptable! Not here. I will not let this happen here. Not under my command.

“Chief, listen up,” he said in an authoritative tone. He knew in this state, it was the only way he could speak to her and still have her respond.

“Yes, sir.” Her gaze became even more distant.

Her response fueled his anger. “You are going to hightail it down to the doc and receive a full examination. Tell him it is based on my orders. He will know what to do. Is that clear?”

“Yes, sir.”

Knowing that she was under the influence of cryo neurotransmitters, Keegan figured the only way to combat it was to get someone to reverse it. They usually wore off once she was away from the stimulus triggers for a long period of time. But considering her stimulus triggers were high-ranking officers in uniform and combat situations, being around here meant she was going to be in a drone zone for a very long time. The last thing he needed was a zombie on board, especially one in charge of the lives others.

Only the jerks in psyche warfare thought doing this to someone would be a good idea. As long as he was running the ship, none of that would be allowed. There weren’t going to be any super zombies soldiers on board his ship. And he’d rollover in his grave before he let them do it to his wife.

“After you come back from the doc, you will report to me, understood?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Are there any questions?”

“No, sir.”

“Dismissed.”

She did an about face before leaving the room. Keegan clasped his hands behind his back. In the blink of an eye, his joy had turned to sorrow. Now faced with the responsibility of looking after his wife, he wondered how could he handle the burden of command and still protect the woman he loved. 

And don't miss Book 1 in the Cold Warriors Universe!

Available HERE

Cold Warriors

Left in cryogenic stasis for nearly a century, Caitlin Driskoll is awakened and drafted into a war she knows nothing about. Expected to defend a world where her kind is despised and expendable, she discovers love and respect from the one man who can’t be associated with her.

Lieutenant Colonel Medoro Keegan has spent a lifetime in the Marines. With no family to speak of, the Corps and his ship, the USS Blanchard, are all the loved ones he needs…until Caitlin sparks a fire within, that threatens to consume him if he doesn’t walk away.

Will he choose a life of certainty in the only world he knows or give it all to Caitlin and run the risk of losing someone, yet 

  

Do You Dream of a Marine Ever After?

Buy Marine Ever After HERE

By Heather Long

You know, it’s funny, when I was growing up—the accidental baby book was this huge thing in nearly ever romance I read and then along came ‘safe sex’ and ‘awareness’ and the accidental baby trope got a stern lesson in prophylactic action. Condoms are pretty much expected in most contemporaries these days—even if a woman is on birth control.

In a paranormal, you have wiggle room. Cause let’s face it, the chances of a vampire getting a woman pregnant are low depending on the vampire series. But I digress….

The accidental baby does still happen, whether you use a condom, whether you use any form of birth control, because none are 100% full proof. None.  One of the first romance novels I ever read was called Escape to Desire by Penny Jordan. I remember so much about this book, the hero’s name, the mad escape through the jungle, the guerillas (we would call them insurgents today) chasing the couple, and the night of stress-induced passion—and the really ugly spider bite that nearly killed the heroine.

I also remember she got pregnant and when she meets the hero again later, he doesn’t realize it's his kid right off (yeah, because math wasn’t his strong suit—but again I digress). I loved this book, loved it. I love the accidental baby trope probably because I’ve known so many women who found themselves in that position, they’re pregnant, not in a long-term relationship (or even some who are) and they have to make choices for them. Choices for their baby. And these are resilient women who take ownership of their lives and their choices, who do the best they can and they don’t always get a happily ever after with the guy.

But what if…?

Playing with Fire

As most of my readers know, I launched the Always a Marine series within Decadent’s 1Night Stand series. Although Marine Ever After isn't part of the 1Night Stand series itself, since it's not a planned hook up, it does have a one-night stand theme, the one-night stand being that evening where you abandon reason, embrace passion, and live for that moment. It’s okay to do this because for the most part, the next day you’ll go back to your life and everything will be normal—but what if it wasn’t?  That’s why, when I sat down to write this, I knew what would begin as an unplanned one-night stand would take me on a very romantic journey and boy did it ever.

A lot of readers will ask me what is my favorite Marine book and I always say that they are all my favorites. This is true, but Marine Ever After is special to me. Special in a way that’s hard to define—I think because it’s so romantic in places and yet so utterly real in others. It’s easy to get captivated by the fantasy, and reality has a way of intruding, but in Marine Ever After—fantasy and reality waltzed for me.

The Right Stuff

Paul Torres is a Master Sergeant. He’s smart, he’s charming, and he’s extremely witty.  He’s got a limited leave, but the man comes all the way to Texas to go to a buddy’s wedding. It’s the right thing to do, it’s about fraternity of spirit and friendship. And he’s also a man who when he sets his sights on something, oh my—he knows how to get it.

Hardly a Delicate Touch

Lillianna Hansen is a nurse, Army brat and resourceful in her own right. She’s very dedicated to her job, but she’s also a good friend. As it turns out, she’s also one of my first heroine’s in the series: Rebecca Ranier’s former college roommate. They spent four years at the same school and they developed a friendship that lasted. It was important for me to show this connection, because she sees all of our guys through a different filter. Fierce and protective, she’s also smart and sassy.  Her chemistry with Paul from the first moment was wildly organic, but she’s not delicate or shy—and when push comes to shove, she really turns into this remarkably grounded woman who knows what she wants.

Not Conducive to Romance

One of the hardest parts of the service for those who serve and those who love them is separation, and a lack of control over day-to-day life choices. If the average civilian is in love with a girl on the other side of the country, he has options. He can move to her, change his life around, easy peasy (yes I know that’s a generalization). But if you’re in the armed forces and you’re deployed or on assignment, you go where you’re sent and it doesn’t matter what else is happening, your time isn’t your own.

That’s not conducive to romance, but trust me when I say Paul—he’s the guy you want in your corner. This is a romance with challenges, separation, choices, and a hero and heroine determined to do right by themselves and each other.

I fell in love with Paul and Lillianna.

I invite you to do the same and learn whether Paul really can be Lillianna’s Marine Ever After… 

Blurb: Marine Paul Torres is used to women who enjoy the pleasure of the moment and whom he can bed with a wink and a smile. But with so many of his friends settling down, he’s turned on by the allure of finding the right partner as well. Even more so when he meets Lillianna Hansen while attending a wedding.

After a passionate night, Paul wakes to find her gone and though he wants more than a one-night stand with the alluring Lily, his limited leave is up and he’s forced to return to active duty.

All Lillianna thought she wanted was a good time. But Paul’s attention—even from thousands miles away—is hard to resist, and while she tells herself repeatedly she doesn’t want a relationship with a Marine, she can’t deny the consequences of their passionate night.

When she finds out she’s pregnant, she’s forced to reach out to Paul. But is she ready to let the father of her child be her Marine Ever After…. 

Excerpt: 

Sadly, the evening wedding meant the sun was already sinking as they exited, and the shadows lessened the chance he could tell what color her eyes were.

Photographs would be next and then a drive to the reception at Mike’s Place. If he played his cards right, they’d be in the same limo. But we have to dance…. A smile curved his mouth. He would have plenty of opportunity to stare at her eyes and determine their color then.

“Paul Torres,” he murmured.

“I’m sorry, what?” She glanced at him, a distracted smile softening her expression. It hit him like a fist to the gut. He needed to revise his earlier opinion—gorgeous didn’t do her justice.

“I’m Paul Torres, you must be Lillianna.” The only bridesmaid who’d missed the big rehearsal dinner. Not that I can complain…. He almost missed it, too. His flight landed an hour beforehand and only some skillful driving with Damon managed to get them both there in time to be in place before the bridesmaids did their obligatory walk.

“Yes, sorry. I can’t get over how happy she looks.” She let go of his arm and offered her gloved hand to shake. “And I’m Lillianna Hansen.” The urge to kiss it was a little too romance-novel for him, so he shook it then held onto it.

“The captain looks pretty happy, too. I think he got the better end of the bargain.” Paul chuckled. Every man from his unit seemed to be settling down in civilian life, marrying or pairing off. He’d served with most of the men in the groom’s party and earned his invitation when the wedding coincided with his leave. Unfortunately, one of Luke’s best friends—Brody—hadn’t been able to make it. The lieutenant remained on active duty in Afghanistan, but promised to visit the happy couple on his next trip through Dallas—probably to see his girl, the artist, as much as to see Luke.

“I hope so. There’s a tiny part of me that doesn’t like him.” Her announcement surprised him, but the photographer summoned them to join the bride and groom so he swallowed the question.

Five hundred photographs later, the dismissed wedding party made their way to the small fleet of waiting limousines. Jazz and her husbands loaded into one, the freshly marrieds got their own, James and Lauren claimed the third. Paul drifted back a little, and fortunately Lillianna waited for him as Damon and A.J. helped their bridesmaids into a limo and joined James and Lauren.

Score. We get the last one to ourselves.

“Everything all right?” She eyed him expectantly.

“Fine, I just wanted to check a button.” Lame, Paul. Lame. But it was the first excuse to pop into his head. He motioned for the limo and she shook her head and led the way. Beating her to the door, he opened it, handing her inside before slipping off his cover and joining her.

She sat opposite him in the wide area of the stretch, and on the far side. He considered swapping seats, but he liked looking at her better—even if only in the illumination of passing headlights. “I hope you’re ready for a big party.”

“Me, too.” Lillianna didn’t sound ready. He raised his eyebrows and she moistened her lips.

Damn. Mind out of the gutter. He gave his body the order, but too late to prevent the shock of reaction running riot through his system. If he hadn’t already been curious about her before, he definitely was then. Out. Of. The. Gutter.

Summer Vacation Plans?

 

by Denise McCray

So, summer is just around the corner and I hope you have something fun planned. I’ll be hanging out at la casa until I head to a couple writing conferences. In July I’ll be attending the Romance Writers of America conference in Atlanta, Georgia (can you say hot!). Then at the end of August I’ll be in New York City for a BDSM writers gathering. I’m really looking forward to that one because in addition to the exciting workshops led by Dr. Charley Ferrer, I’ll be able to do some serious sightseeing and shopping.

Are any of you traveling to an exciting locale? Sometimes I wish I was brave enough to frequent a clothing-optional resort like the one I wrote about in my novella, Bared Essentials. And one day I might, after I lose sixty pounds, get a face lift, and oh nevermind! But it is fun to imagine going, right?

Wherever you go this summer, stay safe and have fun. 

Love, 

Denise

Bared Essentials

Attorney Carin Cross, better known as CC, has just emerged from the marriage from hell. After the divorce, her best friend tricks her into visiting a clothing-optional resort, aptly named Bared Essentials. CC is not happy and lets everyone around her know her feelings. She makes up her mind to stay behind closed doors until it’s time to go home, that is until she runs into the man she’s fantasized about, Stephon Hill.
Stephon is a hard-working attorney who treasures his secret forays to the island. The last person he expected to see at the resort is CC, the woman of his dreams. Acting upon mutual attraction, the pair begins a torrid affair on the island. Almost as soon as it starts though, CC has doubts about them. Why would a gorgeous man like him want her?
Stephon must act quickly to convince CC she’s more than an island fling to him. But can he overcome her seriously flawed self-esteem and show her they’re made for each other?

Women in Uniform

 

In January 2013, the Department of Defense lifted the ban on women serving in combat roles.  While women have already served in positions that put them in harm’s way—no war can be fought without the potential for harm—the lifting of this ban means that job assessment will be based on skill, talent, and ability to perform rather than on genitalia.

CNN Special Report

http://security.blogs.cnn.com/2013/01/23/military-to-open-combat-jobs-to-women/

According to the report above, the move is designed to level the playing field and create a gender neutral military. Women serve in all branches of the armed forces. Jobs such as assignments to submarines were once denied to women because of the disruptive potential of having a woman somewhere men would feel compelled to protect her.

Battle Brothers 

In a battle, Marines, soldiers, airmen and sailors defend each other. If a man goes down, his battle brothers are going to protect him. They pick him up and bring him home.  Armed forces are trained to protect each other—so having boobs doesn’t mean those instincts are going to be any less developed or any more deserved. 

Leveling the playing field means the best-of-the-best get the right jobs. As a woman, I am extremely proud of this decision. Women have served our country with distinction for decades and eliminating barriers. The simple truth is that anyone serving in a combat theater is in danger—male or female.

Buy Combat Barbie

Engagement Teams

Jazz (No Regrets, No Surrender) and Mary (Combat Barbie) met when they were assigned to a Female Engagement Team (http://regionalcommandsouthwest.wordpress.com/about/female-engagement-team-usmc/).  They conduct outreach through interaction with women and children and keep up information on local population.

In areas like Iraq and Afghanistan, women are more successful at reaching other women. They spearhead community programs to help local communities and they don’t violate the cultural standards of the local population. Mary and Jazz are very proud of their work.  With the step down of Marine forces in Afghanistan, the FET teams will begin to transfer their work to local forces.

Understanding Service 

In Combat Barbie. Mary returns home for leave just in time for her tenth high school reunion. She is extremely proud of her work and whether FET teams are being stepped down or not, she has no plans to exit her service—she makes a difference every day and plans to keep doing that. 

What women have made a fundamental difference in your life?

About: Heather Long lives in Texas with her family and their menagerie of animals. As a child, Heather skipped picture books and enjoyed the Harlequin romance novels by Penny Jordan and Nora Roberts that her grandmother read to her. Heather believes that laughter is as important to life as breathing and that the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy and Santa Claus are very real. In the meanwhile, she is hard at work on her next novel.

That Taboo Relationship!

Buy Love Thy Neighbor's Nephew HERE

By Stephanie Williams

Have you ever wanted someone so bad, but deep down you knew something was wrong about it? Or at least you had some unfounded preconceived notion that something was wrong about it.

You think people are whispering behind your back. You get the funny stares. You have a gnawing feeling in your gut at night, rethinking your feelings. Guilt maybe?

LoveThy Neighbor’s Nephew, is the story that addresses all those concerns.

Let me pose this question to my more, ahem…mature ladies. Have you ever noticed that the older you get, the younger the men are that approach you? I’ve noticed that. Not bragging at all, but when I’m at the store, a fast food place, or any public place, there is always some young dude that tries to talk to me. When I tell them I’m old enough to be his mother and not only that but could be a grandmother to whatever children he might have, it usually stops them in their tracks.

Sometimes. LOL!

Would I even consider dating younger? Well, I’m happily married to a man my age and would not change a thing.

If I weren’t, would I consider it? Hmmm. Good question. I’ll answer that later; instead I’ll turn the question on to you.

Would you ladies do the cougar thing?

Oh and let’s throw this in. The younger man in question is a relative of your best friend and neighbor. See where my book comes in? LOL!

Yolanda is the tortured heroine in my book. She’s having the hots for her neighbor’s nephew. It wouldn’t be so bad if Lawrence, the young man is question, wasn’t a good friend of the family.

But damn! How can she resist a man that’s seducing her and is so sexy, her panties get wet just thinking about him.

What’s a woman to do?

She does a lot! And if you want to know what, you need to get your copy. WINK

This isn’t an easy to solve situation, however, I think I handle the conflict very well. This is something that can happen to anyone. How one handles it can affect a lot of lives.

Your friends, family, acquaintances and even you as a person. 

Yolanda has to look at herself in an honest way. She questions her feelings, her relationship with her best friend, and is carrying some guilt.

Like I said, this isn’t an easy state of affairs, (no pun intended) and even though this is a hot read, it deals with a serious concern most women have.

Yes most. Not all women are hot to jump on the Cougar Bandwagon. There maybe some of you reading this now, that is being pursued by a younger man and wondering if you should go for it.

I’m not even about to give you advice on that. It depends on the situation and what you are looking for in a relationship.

I know I got all deep and philosophical on you guys. And don’t be scared, this book isn’t that deep. It’s a fun, quick, hot read that tackles an issue that a lot of us may have tossed back and forth in our minds every so often.

So, I asked the question if I would ever consider the cougar move is I weren’t married.

If, is such a huge word for two letters. But when I was single, younger men did approach me then too. I can’t say that I never would have, I just didn’t find the right one for me.

And ladies, that’s with any man. Never say never, because you don’t know what life might throw your way. And this is the thing that Yolanda learns. You can’t help who you fall in love with, and no matter how hard you try to fight it, if it was meant to be, it will work itself out.

So pick up your copy of Love Thy Neighbor’s Nephew, and see how Yolanda, Lawrence and the best the friend, handles this complex relationship…and some good hot sex to boot! 

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot is here!

Buy Whiskey Tango Foxtrot HERE

Joe Cooper is a hero and active duty Marine sent to Mike’s Place to complete his recovery from injuries sustained during a firefight. His one-in-a-million injury includes a bullet to the back that cracked a bone in his spine, but left the nerves intact. His right leg was shattered in two places. Extensive reconstructive surgery and weeks trapped in a wheelchair haven’t dampened this wounded warrior’s pride or his devotion to duty—but they have left him needing to be needed because he is not an idle man, his waiting is very soon rewarded when recently widowed mom Melody Carter moves in next door.  Today, I wanted to share with you five reasons I love to write military heroes like Joe and all the Marines in my Always a Marine series.

They’re Heroes – This is the most obvious reason, but the men and women who serve in our armed forces choose to serve, sacrificing blood, sweat, tears for our country and knowing they could, at any time, give up their lives in our defense.  It’s not hard for these Marines to earn my respect, my sympathy, my empathy, and my desire to see them receive the happily ever after so many richly deserve.

They’re Human – In addition to recognizing their heroic service, it’s vital to remember that those who serve are human. They have flaws, fears, needs, and that makes them all the more real to me. I’ve known many people who served our country in peacetime and in war, I adore them all.

They Commit – Marines sign contracts for terms anywhere from four to eight years. Many recommit when they’re contracts are up. They are the first ones in to regions of conflict and some of the last ones out. They go through intensive training to become Marines and once they are, they always are. I’ve met Marines in their 70s who are as absolute in their commitments and dedication as they were when they were on active duty. They don’t give up and they know how to get the job done.

Reliable in a Crisis – Marines undergo rigorous training to handle dangerous situations, that same training is designed to help them keep their heads when the shooting starts. They contain their fear and act, not react. They improvise and they get the job done. These are the men and women you want at your back in war and at home.

Courage – The definition of courage is mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear or difficulty. These are men and women who run toward danger and bodily put themselves in harm’s way to defend everyone else. What’s not to love?

In Whiskey Tango Foxtrot we meet Captain Joe Anderson, a man who put himself in harm’s way and is working on his recovery. His need to help the widow of an abusive Marine becomes more than a mission—and this was a painful story for me to right, one that made me deeply sad and yet gave me such hope as they two souls struggle to overcome, connect and find love in the process.

Heather Long Website | Facebook | Always a Marine Series Page | Twitter

Blurb:

Have you ever woken up every day afraid of everything?

For single mom and widow Melody Carter, six months passed since an IED ripped her life apart. Everyone is sympathetic and offers platitudes of comfort and support. Everyone thinks they know why she's grieving but Melody isn't mourning her broken heart. She's ashamed to be grateful her abusive husband won't hurt her anymore and scared for her child. Born with a mild heart defect, her daughter needs lifesaving surgery and with her funds tight and her emotional scars tighter, she’s running out of options. When she receives an offer for assistance from Mike's Place, can Melody put her faith in the men her husband called friend?

Have you ever woken up, day after day, to discover your body's betrayal?

Marine Captain, Joe Anderson Cooper, received the Silver Star for Valor when he led his unit through heavy fire to rescue fellow Marines. Despite numerous injuries, the Captain refused medical aid, insisting that the medics attend others. A broken back and shattered bones put Captain Cooper in a wheelchair and every day is a battle to keep his recovery on track and his sanity intact. When a single mom moves in to the apartment next door to his and he recognizes a kindred—damaged—soul, can he overcome her fear and be the man she's always needed?

 Can these two lonely souls rise to the challenge or will their scars trap them forever?

Excerpt:

   Letting herself out of the apartment, she locked up and turned to find her neighbor locking his door. He caught sight of her and smiled. “Good morning.” His deep baritone hummed over her senses. She appreciated the low voiced greeting.

   “Good morning.” She wanted to say something more, but her brain locked up around the words. He eased his wheelchair back until nearly off the sidewalk and motioned for her to precede him. Biting her lip, she found another smile for him. “Thank you.” Her heartbeat accelerated and sweat cooled her spine. She didn't hug the wall, but she couldn't help widening the distance between them.

   The wheels made the faintest squeaking noise after she passed, and she glanced back to see him following her down the path toward the parking lot. Maybe she should have offered to push. He wore an olive green t-shirt and a matching pair of slacks, though they were cut up the side of the large cast encasing his right leg from mid-thigh to his toes.

   He—Joe, he said his name was Joe—met her gaze and gave her another easy smile. His eyes crinkled at the corners and the dimple in his cheek deepened. The sidewalk widened and she slowed to let him catch up.

   “I'm sorry. I'm not the best company this morning.”

   “No worries, ma'am. Little ones take a lot out of a body.” The buttery softness of his voice washed over her like a soothing balm—like the night before when he knocked on her door and introduced himself. He scared the hell out of her, but not in the same breath.

   I must be tired. I have no idea what I'm feeling from one moment to the next. As if summoned by her thought, fatigue wavered through her and she stumbled. The diaper bag swung down her arm. She couldn't catch it and hold the baby at the same time. Joe stopped the bag's arc, and gave her a chance to catch her balance.

   “May I?” He offered, still holding the bag.

   May he what…? He wanted to carry the bag for her and she winced. It was heavy and he…

   “I have plenty of room and then you don't have to worry about it taking you off balance again.” The sound logic quashed her natural objections. She shifted Libby carefully and let the strap fall off her arm. Her internal alarms sounded. Giving him the bag didn't give him some kind of power over her, but her gut tightened at the surrender of her possession.

   He settled the bag against his lap and nodded encouragingly. “Just point me to your car…”

   “Oh, I don't drive. Well, I do but I'm not driving here. I'm actually just staying here for a few weeks and I'm waiting for the shuttle.” She tacked the last on with a grimace. “And apparently I'm as muddleheaded for real as I feel. Sorry. Thank you. The shuttle is scheduled to pick us up here in about…” She couldn't look at her watch.

   “Two minutes.” The captain supplied. “I'm waiting for the same shuttle.” His warm brown gaze turned studious. “Are you okay?”

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HalloThanksMas

Buy Wishing for Love HERE!

by Denise McCray

It’s that time of year again. Or rather it’s been that time of the year for the past two months. I think they should rename the last three months of the year HalloThanksMas. Isn’t it irritating to see Christmas decorations and hear holiday music in the middle of October? I know it is for me.

As an empty-nester, we don’t get real excited about the holiday season any more. When our son was young, we’d start putting up the Christmas tree as soon as we finished the turkey on Thanksgiving. Now, we may set it up a week before the 25^th. Forget about the other stuff, like garland and a wreath on the door. Haven’t done that in quite a while.

Now, I’m not saying we’ve turned into complete Scrooges. You can’t help to feel the holiday spirit, especially when you see little kids running around the department stores. Sometimes I wish for a little one, but just for a couple weeks. Then I’d give them back to their parents ;-)

The cold weather does spark my imagination though, and I've come up with a ton of new story ideas. Maybe it’s cabin fever that sends my mind spinning in all directions.

At this point, I have a notebook full of book titles and short blurbs. Now I need to follow through and actually draft a few outlines and then write the stories. Would anyone be interested in reading a tale about a sexy Santa? I should get right on that.

Love,

Denise