Guest: CHRYS FEY #NewRelease A FIGHTING CHANCE

 My friend CHRYS FEY is back with her latest release. I've read all of Chrys'  books and was so happy that a secondary character finally gets his story. Thorn's the police officer who is essential to saving Donovan and Beth in the other Disaster Crimes stories.

 

Diane Asked: What inspired you to write A Fighting Chance?

 

Chrys Fey’s Answer: Thorn did. When a character shows up more and more, demanding attention, you have to do it, you have to give it to him. When that same character reveals new things about himself, you have to follow through and uncover even more. When that character meets another character, and it’s as though cupid struck him in his heart, you gotta give him a romance. When that character melts you, you have to see if he’ll melt readers. When that character is so sweet and funny and adorable and strong and dependable, you have no choice but to make him a hero of his own book so he can continue to reveal more things about him, fall in love, and melt everyone around. When that character has struggles, you must help him through it. And when that character could have a happy ending, but first you have to write, damn it, you gotta write it! There’s no other choice.

So, yeah…Thorn inspired me to write A Fighting Chance. He demanded it, and I had no other choice. But I was happy about that. 😊

 

 

Pages: 154

Genre: Romantic-Suspense

Heat Rating: Hot

 

BLURB:

*A FIGHTING CHANCE is Book 6 in the Disaster Crimes series, but it’s a spin-off featuring a new couple, so it can be read as a standalone.*

Thorn has loved Amanda from afar, giving her whatever she needs as a survivor of abuse—space, protection, and stability. He yearns to give her more, though, to share his feelings, kiss her, love her, but he's worried the truth will frighten her away.

And Amanda is afraid. She’s scared of her attraction for Thorn. Most of all, she’s terrified of her ex-boyfriend, who is lurking nearby where no one can find him. When she grows closer to Thorn, Damon retaliates, jeopardizing their happy ending.

Up against an abusive ex and Mother Nature, do Thorn and Amanda have a fighting chance?

 

Book Links: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / iTunes

 

EXCERPT:

Amanda looked up from the current list of up-to-date payments for classes. A movement outside the glass storefront caught her eye. She tilted her head to see a man coming up the sidewalk from the side where the picnic bench sat. Through the vertical blinds, she glimpsed a square face—a short, rugged beard and long, dark hair pulled into a man bun. Her breath fled from her lungs. Her body went from icy cold to flaming hot in the span of a millisecond. She dropped to the floor and slid under the counter, beneath the ledge where they put their purses and cell phones.

“What—” Beth peeked at the windows. Then she snapped her fingers at April and pointed at the stools.

April jumped into action. She pushed the stools in so they blocked Amanda. The bell attached to the door jingled as April removed the jacket she wore and draped it across the stools, creating a curtain to shield Amanda.

From a crack, Amanda watched Beth move to stand in front of the twins, who were in their walkers playing peacefully. “I’m sorry, but we’re going to be closing.”

“I don’t give a shit. I’m here for Amanda.”

The sound of Damon’s voice had her heart beating even harder. That voice had haunted her nightmares, had come back to life in her memories.

Beth cocked her head to the side. “Who? There’s no one by that name here.”

“Don’t bullshit me. I know she works here.”

His voice was closer now.

 

 

***FREE FOR A LIMITED TIME***

THE DISASTER CURSE

 

 

Book Links: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / iTunes

Author’s Note: I wrote The Disaster Curse to answer a few lingering questions readers may have after reading A Fighting Chance, and to tie the whole series together with a neat, shiny, perfect little bow. Plus, there was one disaster that I hadn’t written about yet. *wink*

 

 

The Disaster Crimes Series:

*The Crime Before the Storm (prequel)

Hurricane Crimes (novella, #1)

Seismic Crimes (#2)

Lightning Crimes (free short, #2.5)

Tsunami Crimes (#3)

Flaming Crimes (#4)

Frozen Crimes (#5)

A Fighting Chance (spin-off, #6)

The Disaster Curse (short story, #7)

*Free exclusive story to newsletter subscribers.

 

 

***LAUNCHING A WEBSITE***

TheFightingChance.org is a website dedicated to domestic violence and sexual assault awareness. Inspired by the Disaster Crimes series.

 

 

***GIVEAWAY***

Prizes: Hurricane Crimes (Disaster Crimes 1) and Seismic Crimes (Disaster Crimes 2) eBooks (mobi or epub), Hurricane Crimes Playing Cards, Girl Boss Sign, and a Volcanic Blast Scented Candle

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Chrys Fey is author of the Disaster Crimes Series, a unique concept that blends disasters, crimes, and romance. She runs the Insecure Writer’s Support Group Book Club on Goodreads and edits for Dancing Lemur Press. https://www.chrysfey.com

Author Links:

 Newsletter / Website / Facebook Group /Blog / BookBub

Instagram / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Amazon

 

 

 

GUEST: Constance Bretes on Domestic Abuse @ConstanceBretes

My friend and former Mid-Michigan RWA(MMRWA) chaptermate, until she moved to Montana, Connie Bretes shares some startling statistics. 

DOMESTIC ABUSE

by

Constance Bretes

The National Domestic Violence Hotline says that “On average, 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States — more than 12 million women and men over the course of a year.[i]”

I don’t know about you, but in this day and age, I find that information staggering. This is just one segment, listed under “General” statistic information at the http://www.thehotline.org/, Sexual violence, Stalking, Children, Teens and In The Workplace all have their own statistical information, which is equally appalling. I thank my God every day that I am not a victim of any kind of domestic violence. My parents protected and sheltered me, and I have a wonderful husband and extended family. Others are not so lucky or blessed, and my heart bleeds for them. My book, Blue As Sapphires, is a contemporary romance about a woman who struggled and got out of a horrible situation of domestic violence, and eventually, fell in love with someone who appreciated her for who she was and loved her unconditionally. My desire in writing this book was to be an inspiration and encouragement to other men and women who face this kind of abuse. There is hope. There is a way to escape, and a chance of finding your happy ever after.

After reading the statistics, and writing this book, I decided to donate sales from this book to the National Domestic Violence Hotline. You can donate too, by going to this website: http://www.thehotline.org/. Maybe, together, we can give these abused victims help, and hope.

[i] http://www.annalsofepidemiology.org/article/S1047-2797(12)00024-5/abstract

Blue As Sapphires by Constance Bretes

Tagline: Marissa's home was her haven, until Riley invaded her space.

Back Cover Blurb: 

Escaping from her abusive ex-husband, Marissa Simpson returns to her hometown to start over. She spends her days working at the local jewelry store, and the rest of her time is dedicated to mining along Red Rock River, searching for precious gems. Marissa has no intention of getting involved with another man, or with the community she left behind all those years ago. That is until Riley McCade shows up.

Riley is the Sheriff of Quartz County. He loves his community and goes out of his way to protect and serve. When he meets up with Marissa, he's bound and determined to get to know her even though she insists she's not interested.

The more Riley learns about Marissa's past, the more he concludes that she may be in danger. When her ex-husband shows up, can Riley protect her? And can he earn her love in the process?

Content Warning: contains some sexual content

Excerpt:

“Hello, Sheriff. What can I do for you today?”

“I thought you would have listened to me and reconsidered trying to make this place livable again.”

“Nope, I’m going to try to make a go of it.”

Riley splayed his hand on the back of his neck and gave her a small smile. “You need to go to the county office and get an inspector to come out here and determine what needs to be taken care of before you make this your home. The house has to be up to code.”

“And if I don’t?” she said evenly.

“I’d have to serve you with a notice and remove you from the premises until the house meets the building code.”

“Really,” she replied in a low voice, taut with anger. “I guess I’ll contact the inspector tomorrow and see when I can get someone out. Is that all, Sheriff?”

“For now. Tell me, Marissa, how have you been?” Riley asked. “You haven’t been here

in a long time.”

“I’m doing well. Thank you,” she replied icily. A suggestion of annoyance hovered in her eyes.

“So, are you married? Do you have children?”

“No, and no, and why?”

It seemed to Riley that Marissa was being evasive and noncommittal. She sure was an attractive woman, maybe a little too thin, but she had a lovely face and perfect rose-colored lips. Something about her piqued his interest.

“I just wondered how you were. Is this the first time you’ve been back to Frankenburg since high school?”

“Yes.”

“What brings you back?”

“I wanted to come back.” She crossed her arms over her chest.

He was aware of her annoyance, he tried to coax her into a better mood, but failed.

“Marissa, if you’d like, I could make you an offer on the twenty acres of land. That would give you enough money to buy a nice home in town and live more comfortably than you would here.”

“Why are you so bent on me leaving this house?” Marissa shot him a cold look, uncrossing her arms and squeezing her hands into fists.

“I’m not bent on anything, but I told you before I think the house is dangerous to live in.”

“Well, it’s my problem, so I’d appreciate it if you would mind your own business.”

“Why are you so testy? We’re a tight community here in Frankenburg, you know that. We look out for each other and try to help when we can. I’m only trying to be neighborly and keep you safe.”

“I’m not interested in you being neighborly and keeping me safe. I’m capable of taking care of myself, and I don’t need any help.”

“All right, Marissa, but you get that inspector out here as soon as possible.” Riley’s voice was smooth, but insistent.

“Yes, Sheriff.” She spat out the words contemptuously, did a mock salute, whirled around, walked into the house, and slammed the door in his face.

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Blue-as-Sapphires-Constance-Bretes-ebook/dp/B06WRTGRCB/

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/blue-as-sapphires-constance-bretes/1125799265?ean=2940157442330#

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/blue-as-sapphires

About the Author:

 Constance Bretes Bio

I started writing contemporary romance and contemporary romance suspense fifteen years ago, and after multiple rejections, got my first contract for Delayed Justice, released in 2014.

I lives in Basin, Montana, where three feline furballs own me and my husband, and a dog that lives next door named Sara, who thinks she also lives with the Bretes family. I love the mountains that surround my home, I love basket weaving, jewelry making, and just visiting all the folks in the small community we live in.

I currently have seven books published, and a number of other ones in various stages of edits. Right now, I’m working on a new book, called Roadside Love. A murder mystery/romance is a small town in Wyoming. I have two other books that are at the end of their editing days and now at critique partners, the books are Elkhorn In The Moonlight and Rocky River Gold. Both are small town romances.

I can be reached through the following media.

http://constancebretes.com

https://www.facebook.com/conniebretes/

https://twitter.com/ConstanceBretes

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7737457.Constance_Bretes

Email:  bretesc@gmail.com

http://beachwalkpress.com/constance-bretes/

Be sure to visit my webpage, navigate to the News & Things, and enter the monthly rafflecopter at the bottom of the page. Join my newsletter mailing list also at that site, and you will get my newsletter, once a month and only occasionally, anytime the rest of the month, if I suddenly have something that has come up after the newsletter was sent out.

Saturday Sampler & #Giveaway - The Friendship Star Quilt by Patricia Kiyono & Stephanie Michels

The Stitching Post Quilt Shop is the setting for the weekly gathering of a group of women who come to sew, but leave with lasting friendships. The first book in the series, The Calico Heart, was nominated for a RONE award for Best Contemporary Book of 2013. Patricia Kiyono and Stephanie Michels are pleased to announce the release of the second book in the series, The Friendship Star Quilt.

BLURB:

Anne Brown loves her job at The Stitching Post Quilt Shop in Grandville, Michigan, but she keeps a suitcase packed so she can leave at a moment's notice. Living under the radar, she longs for a normal life, but settles for listening to family stories told by the friendly ladies of the quilting club who meet at the shop on Tuesday evenings. When she meets Brad, the handsome band director of an area high school and his adorable daughter, Anne begins to hope for a happily ever after of her own. But someone has far different plans.

Brad Carmichael is juggling the demands of his job as band director at Rivertown High School with trying to be a better father to his daughter. When Brad is late picking Jennie up from a birthday party, the pretty young clerk from the local quilt shop comes to his rescue. Kind-hearted and talented, Anne becomes a vital part of Brad and Jennie’s lives. But her past threatens to destroy their relationship.

EXCERPT:

Anne checked her watch. The store officially closed in ten minutes, but she’d leave it unlocked until the rest of the group arrived. At the sound of the door opening, she looked up to greet the newcomer. But her guest wasn’t a customer or a quilter.

Instead, a little blond cherub about six or seven years old stood in the doorway, studying the store with wide eyes.

“Do you need something, sweetie?” Anne asked.

The little girl turned soulful blue eyes in her direction. “It’s raining outside, and my daddy hasn’t come to pick me up yet. Is it okay if I wait in here?”

“Sure. Where was your dad supposed to pick you up?”

“The ice cream shop next door. I was at Suzy’s birthday party, but everyone else is gone now. And the ice cream man turned the lights off so I couldn’t stay there.”

“He turned the lights off while you were still waiting?” Anne had met George Connors many times in the two years she’d worked at The Stitching Post. She couldn’t imagine the shop owner behaving so cruelly.

The child nodded. “He told me I had to wait outside.”

Anne poked her head out the door and glanced at the ice cream shop. Sure enough, Freeze! was dark and empty. “Well, come inside. I won’t make you wait in the rain. What’s your name, honey?”

“Jennie… Jennie Carmichael.”

“My name is Anne, Jennie,” she told the child, giving her a reassuring smile. “Would you like me to call your father and let him know you’re here?”

“Yes, please. I have his phone number.” The little girl shrugged off her pink-and-purple flowered backpack and pulled a worn slip of paper from the front pocket.

Anne took the paper, squinting at the number scrawled on it. “Where does your dad work?”

“At the high school.”

“Is he a teacher? School was out a long time ago.”

“Daddy always stays after school to do work. Especially when there’s a concert or something. He’s the band director,” she added with a note of pride.

“Okay, let’s see if I can reach him. What’s his name?”

“Brad.”

Anne nodded and dialed the number on the Jennie’s paper. After several rings, a deep, velvety voice answered.

“Rivertown High Band Office.”

“Is this Brad Carmichael?”

“Yes.”

“Mr. Carmichael, this is Anne Brown at The Stitching Post on Wilson Avenue. Your daughter is in our shop waiting for you.”

“Jennie’s there? She’s supposed to be at the ice cream shop for a birthday party until—oh drat! I’m so sorry. I’ll be right there. Thanks for calling.”

The loud click told her he had disconnected in a hurry.

Anne put the receiver down and smiled reassuringly at the child. “Your dad is on his way now. Would you like something to drink while you wait?”

“No, thank you. The school isn’t very far away, so Daddy will be here soon.”

Anne was impressed with the girl’s manners. “All right. Would you like to sit down? I can clear off one of these low tables. You can sit on it like a little stool.”

Jennie shook her head. “Thank you, but I’ll just wait by the door so Daddy will see me in here, if that’s okay with you.”

BUY LINKS:

The Friendship Star Quilt is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords, as well as other ebook outlets.

GIVEAWAY:

Stephanie Michels is giving away a $5 gift card to Amazon or Barnes and Noble. To enter, simply leave a comment below telling us about a book series that you enjoy. Good luck!

BIOS:

Patricia Kiyono retired from public school teaching, and is now an adjunct faculty member at Grand Valley State University, where she instructs future teachers. Born in Japan, she lives in southwest Michigan with her husband, not far from their five children and nine grandchildren. In addition to writing, she enjoys sewing, scrapbooking, playing in local bands and orchestras, and taking care of grandchildren.

Stephanie Michels considers herself a “Jill of All Trades.” During her corporate career, she worked as a computer trainer, advertising copywriter, personnel agent, radio DJ, magazine columnist, and a financial planner among other things.  She recently left those behind in order to focus on writing full time.

Raised in Michigan, she lived in South Carolina, Missouri, and Germany, before returning to the Mitten State to raise her family.  When she isn’t writing, you can usually find her reading or spending time with family, friends, and Beta Sigma Phi sisters. The Friendship Star Quilt is her second novel with writing partner, Patricia Kiyono.

WHERE TO FIND US:

Patricia:

            Website: http://patriciakiyono.com

            Blog: http://creative-hodgepodge.blogspot.com/

            Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Patricia-Kiyono/149294485148710?ref=hl

            Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5132660.Patricia_Kiyono

            Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Patricia-Kiyono/e/B0067PSM5C/

Stephanie:

            Blog: http://chunkingupthepage.blogspot.com/

            Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephanie.michels.52?fref=ts

            Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7133902.Stephanie_Michels

            Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Stephanie-Michels/e/B00B0YSNS6