Tina Martin's Blog

 

Timber turned to look at her as she started the jeep.He studied her for a moment. Typical Ambrosia style, she had her hair pulledback in a ponytail. She wasn’t one for nail polish and makeup. She was the plainJane, small town girl who liked things he liked – things men liked ingeneral: watching football, tossing back a beer, hiking, fishing, hanging outat bars and just being one of the guys. He remembered how, one day, he’d pulledup to her house to find her swinging an ax, chopping firewood. He smiled whenhe remembered how upset it made him to see her doing something so dangerous. Hereprimanded her on the spot. At the end of the day, she was still a woman, andshe had him at her disposal to do those kinds of chores for her. He didn’t wanther to injure herself. He cared about her too much.

He always thought Ambrosia had a sweet innocence abouther. While she tried her best to come across as tomboyish, he knew there was amore feminine side to her that she rarely showed anyone – not even to him. Thatleft him bewildered. Why did she heavily guard that part of herself? What madeher tick? Why was she one of the guys and not just a beautiful woman whoexuded femininity? Everything about her was beautiful, from the luscious blackhair she kept pulled back down to her toes that she kept hidden most times insneakers. And her facial features were second to no woman. Many times, hecaught himself staring at her lips. Her nose. Her ears. He often wondered whatit would feel like to drown his hands in that thick head of hair, bring hermouth to his and—

“Tim?”

“Yeah?”

“Are you good?” she asked, then smiled,alternating between looking at him and the road.

“Yeah. I’m good.”

“Why are you staring at me?”

“No reason,” he said, then turned away from her,looking straight ahead as they approached a red light. Yeah, there wassomething about her that even years of being close to her couldn’t reveal. Hewasn’t the type of man to pressure someone to be open with him. He was alwaysunder the assumption that the right man could bring the femininity out of anywoman. Apparently, he wasn’t the right man. The one date they went onproved that. It was like he was hanging with Maverick or Ervan because that’sthe way she wanted it to be. And so, that’s what it was. In fact, Ambrosia had goneabove and beyond to show him that’s all they were. Friends. Whenever he triedto have a serious conversation about relationships, she blew it off or changedthe subject. It aggravated his soul, but he didn’t want to cause a rift betweenthem, so he pretended it hadn’t bothered him.

The truth was, he wanted more then, and he wantedmore now. Badly. So bad that he obsessed over it. He dreamed about her. Heimagined what life with her would be like if Ambrosia moved in with him. Ifthey were married. He could foresee what their children would look like – all threeof them. Their lives together would be filled with love, gratitude, andappreciation.

“I must have something on my face,” Ambrosiasaid, lifting from the seat to look in the rearview mirror as she drove.

Timber grinned. “Besides that dimple, there’snothing on your face, Brosia.”

Ambrosia smiled and switched lanes, making thatdimple he loved even more noticeable and prominent. His thumb would fitperfectly in that beauty mark on her face. He’d imagined that, too.

He gazed upon her more, appreciating the warmthof her skin tone. Her even, medium-brown complexion radiated a soft glow thatspoke to her meticulous self-care routine. Her hair was natural black. Shedidn’t play around with highlights or styles. It was just there. And long. Andkept at bay. She treated her hair like it was an annoyance. Several times shethreatened to cut it, but she never did, much to his great pleasure.

Timber snapped out of his trance with her againbecause he would have no explanation to give this time if she caught himstaring again. He asked, “Are you going to tell me where we’re going?”

“I’m taking you to dinner.”

“I don’t believe you,” he deadpanned.

That dimple of hers went deeper. “You wouldn’t.”

He placed his left hand on her right thigh andsqueezed. “Tell me.”

Her body jerked out of the seat. “Tim, stop!You’re going to make me wreck.”

“Tell me,” he said, squeezing again, amused athow ticklish she was while also enjoying her thick thigh beneath his hand.

Tickled, she said, “I just told you. I’m takingyou to dinner. I thought you trusted me.”

“I do trust you.”

“Then just sit back and relax. And stop squeezingmy leg before you make me wreck,” she said, pushing his hand away.

When they pulled up at Ida’s on Main, the belovedtown restaurant, Ambrosia got out, took the balloons from the back, and walkedaround the side of the jeep where he was standing. They walked to the entrancewhere he opened the door to the place and allowed her to enter ahead of him.Then he stepped inside and looked around. Nothing looked out of the ordinary,and he didn’t see anyone he knew, so maybe this was a legit dinner with him andher.

That’s what he wanted most – time alone with her.To talk to her. To be in her presence and enjoy her aura.

The manager walked up and said, “Well, hellothere, Mr. Timber Lennox.” Everyone in town knew Timber. His staunch reputationpreceded him, and he was proud of that.

“Good evening, Maria.”

“Hey Maria,” Ambrosia chimed in to say.

“Hey, hun. How are y’all doing this evening?”

“We’re good,” Timber said, answering for themboth.

With raised brows, Maria said, “I heard it’s aspecial day for somebody. And you know what? I got a specialtable for you, sir.”

“Ooh…you hear that, Tim?” Ambrosia said, lookingup at her six-feet-four friend. “She has a special table for you.”

“Yeah. I heard her,” Timber replied unenthused.“I’m still trying to figure out what it means.”

The place was packed to the brim. That’stypically how it was on Saturday nights. There wasn’t a special table insight. Laughter, the noise of many people talking at once, and the smell of thedelicious food this place served is what he witnessed. But a special table? No.There were no more tables, unless some were set up in the back room where therestaurant hosted parties. That’s where they seemed to be heading.

The manager opened the door, and when Timberstepped inside the dark room, the lights blinked on and a shout of surprise rangout.

Timber dropped his head and smiled. Yeah, he sawit coming. When he looked up, he saw his old employees were here. His friend Ervan.His brother Maverick. There were also a few more business owners he knew –people who came to support him on his new journey. Giving up a business thatyou birthed from infancy was tough. They all knew it, even if he didn’t.

Timber turned to look at Ambrosia, watching hersmile even though her eyes brimmed with tears. He wondered about the emotionsthose tears carried. Were they tears for what she thought he was feeling at themoment? Or were they for something else? That’s what he never understood abouther.

Ambrosia had feelings for him. Real feelings. He concludedthat because he’d always had them for her, and a man knows when a woman isfeeling him. Instead of embracing those feelings, she ignored them and pretendedshe wasn’t aware. But why? That date they went on eight years ago should’vebeen the beginning of their love story because, well, they just worked welltogether. You rarely saw Timber without Ambrosia. Ambrosia without Timber. Itwas unheard of. Everyone in their circle thought they’d be good together, andthey made no qualms about telling them that. But Ambrosia was in denial, andthat left Timber confused.

---------

For the full story, read One Day You'll Be Mine, book eight in the Lennox series, available here on Amazon! For more information on the Lennox in Love series books, visit the series book page.

 “It’s right down there,” she says, stopping infront of me where she folds over with her hands resting above her knees as shetries to catch her breath. Unfortunately, I think she left it a block away, thesame place she dropped her sanity. Who runs in four-inch leather boots?

“Listen—” she breathes. Homegirl needs oxygen,and fast. “Girl—”

“Stop. Catch your breath before you faint outhere.”

“No, there’s no time,” she says, like we’re inthe middle of a Netflix thriller.

There’s no time.

I laugh internally. I love this girl with herdramatic self.

“Paris, what are you—?”

“He’s here!” she pants, breathes and chokes out.

“Who’s here?”

“Gray—Grayson.” She takes a breath. “He’s here,and I think he’s headed here next.”

My stomach hits a backflip while my breath hitchesin my throat. This can’t be. He’s not here. He left here and has neverbeen back here. Why would he be here now?

I ask, “And how do you know that, Sha’Carri?”

She stands straight up now after she’s calmedherself down a bit and huffs out, “I was—whew!—I was at the deli. Youremember Grayson’s friend, Torrence?”

Yeah, I remember that buster. I think he’s theone who’s been feeding Grayson information about me over the years.

“Anyway, he was sitting in a booth around thecorner and had his phone on speaker. Like, who talks with their phone onspeaker in public? But, whatevs. I heard everything they said. Graysonspecifically asked about you. Torrence, with his big, wide bass mouth, startstelling him how you’re the pumpkin spice girl and how everybody comes toyour café for the latte, right? So, Grayson said he was gon’ swing by and seewhat all the fuss was about. Torrence was like, uh, you sure you want to dothat, bruh? And then Grayson was like, I’m sure she’ll be happy to see me. Andthen, Torrence erupted in laughter, sounding like a wild hyena. That’s when Igot up and ran down here.”

“Like somebody set a fire to your rear end.”

“Yeah! Did you hear what I said?” she asks, hereyes wide.

“I heard you, and thanks, Paris, but you could’vejust called me.”

“There was no time! I did say that already,didn’t I?”

“But there was time to sprint? In them stripperboots? Paris, stop your mess,” I say, stepping back into the café with her onmy heels.

From Pumpkin Spice and You, available on Kindle Unlimited.

Today's #TeaserTuesday is an excerpt from my upcoming novel, Tell Me You Want Me. Y'all already know who Livia and Khenji are. They are back on your Kindles on November 26, 2024! If you haven't dove into this series yet, start with book one, Tell Me: The Prelude and then book two, Tell Me You Love Me. For now, enjoy this excerpt for book three. Also note that this excerpt is subject to slight changes before being officially released. Enjoy!

Excerpt - Tell Me You Want Me

Obsidian is where I sit on a Friday night with thefour men, (or shall I call them interns?) and their significant others who’vemastered my mentoring program. This feat for them means much more than anycollege degree. In fact, they won’t need a bachelor’s, master’s or anything ofthe sort because they have my knowledge. My name alone, speaks for them. They’llgo off to have excellent careers, hence our celebration tonight.

It was Livia’s idea to do this because I’m not thetype to put something like this together. She said it would be something coolto do – to mark the beginning of their careers. I had my assistant, Samone,make us reservations here and here we sit but Livia’s not here yet.

I pull my pocket watch out to check the time. It’s7:04 p.m. I inhale a slightly worried breath. She should’ve been here by now. Iclear my throat and take a sip of Jack. She’s fine, I know, but this is beyondawkward for me.

Looking around the table, I’m proud of these mendespite my social anxiety. They’ve come a long way and have set themselves upin a position that promises wealth and prosperity. It’s what I have. Wealth.Prosperity. But a smart man knows it’s not money that makes him wealthy. Ilearned that the moment I met Livia.

Where is she?

“This place is nice, Mr. Halifax,” one of the guyssays. “I never could imagine sitting inside a place like this. Shoot, the onlyreason I’m here now is because you’re paying for it.”

I look at him and know I’m supposed to saysomething – you know – be conversational and all, but I really don’t haveanything to add. Then I think about what Livia would say if she was here. Talkto the man, she’d say. Open up. You’re the man. You have nothing to beapprehensive about. Besides, these men look up to you.

I clear my throat, get out of my head and say, “You’rewell on your—”

My words easily get hung up in my throat when Ilook up and see Livia walking this way. In fact, every cell in my body pauses,allowing my eyes to feast on this woman. She has her hair straightened, hangingpast her shoulders. She has on a white blouse that’s cinched at the waist and acamel colored, leather skirt that falls to her knees. She’s carrying a little goldpurse in her hand – the kind of purse she has at these fancy galas we attendonly this isn’t a gala. This is dinner at an upscale restaurant. I supposethey’re one in the same.

I can’t tear my eyes away from her. As she walksthis way, I feel her energy connecting to mine. She smiles, drawing myattention to the blush on her cheeks and her pretty white teeth. I notice otherthings about her that she’s changed, because she didn’t look like this when sheleft for work this morning. However, she gets off early on Fridays and I knowshe uses the extra time to pamper herself. I’d say she did that today with herburgundy fingernails and professionally done makeup. Her lips are the same coloras her nails. I much prefer her without makeup because I know the true beautyit hides, but she likes it so I like it. I’m just glad she’s here.

I swallow the lump in my throat and blink out ofmy trance when she’s almost at the table. My guests have since looked to seewhat had captured my attention and now they’re back looking at me.

---

Pre-Order Now at Amazon.

 

Let Me...
What is this story about?
The story is about a man - Judah - who has pushed love away his entire life. He used to want love, but due to something that's happened to him, he doesn't want to subject a woman to suffer because of him. The best way not to break anyone's heart is to just stay away - or be friends at best.
Then he meets Autumn in the cutest, most seredipitous way possible. She falls into that same friends category but she's not a woman to just be shoved into a category when she knows Judah is interested in her far more than just a simple friendship.  She also focuses on her life, her family and what she really wants out of life. The story centers around her.
You can now read this title on KINDLE UNLIMITED!

 

Let Me...
..a new women's fiction novel by Tina Martin, coming July 2025!Read the full Book Description.
What is this story about?
The story is about a man - Judah - who has pushed love away his entire life. He used to want love, but due to something that's happened to him, he doesn't want to subject a woman to suffer because of him. The best way not to break anyone's heart is to just stay away - or be friends at best.
Then he meets Autumn in the cutest, most seredipitous way possible. She falls into that same friends category but she's not a woman to just be shoved into a category when she knows Judah is interested in her far more than just a simple friendship.  She also focuses on her life, her family and what she really wants out of life. The story centers around her.
This is not a romance. It's women's fiction. What's the difference, you ask?
Romance focuses on a relationship and usually ends in a happy ending. Women's fiction usually focuses on the life and journey of a woman and does not end in a happy ending. Women's fiction stories still have a romantic element, and this story will have plenty of that.
Let Me releases in 2025, so make sure you pre-order this title now at the following retailers:
AmazonBarnes & NobleAppleKobo

 

Let Me...
A new women's fiction novel by Tina Martin, coming June 20, 2025!Read the full Book Description.
What is this story about?
The story is about a man - Judah - who has pushed love away his entire life. He used to want love, but due to something that's happened to him, he doesn't want to subject a woman to suffer because of him. The best way not to break anyone's heart is to just stay away - or be friends at best.
Then he meets Autumn in the cutest, most seredipitous way possible. She falls into that same friends category but she's not a woman to just be shoved into a category when she knows Judah is interested in her far more than just a simple friendship.  She also focuses on her life, her family and what she really wants out of life. The story centers around her.
This is not a romance. It's women's fiction. What's the difference, you ask?
Romance focuses on a relationship and usually ends in a happy ending. Women's fiction usually focuses on the life and journey of a woman and does not end in a happy ending. Women's fiction stories still have a romantic element, and this story will have plenty of that.
Let Me releases in 2025, so make sure you pre-order this title now at the following retailers:
AmazonBarnes & NobleAppleKobo

 EXCERPT

Yeah, we go that far back.

Far back enough when hangouts were backyardsinstead of the mall. When friendship wasn’t determined by likes and follows. Wewere real friends. Friends who actually love each other, and even thoughit’s not said, it’s felt. I know how Chantelle feels about me. She knows how Ifeel about her and we were always good.

Now, I’m getting married and I don’t know how she’staking this.

“Okay, then. If you’re excited, maybe I’m catchingthe wrong vibe. Am I catching the wrong vibe, Chantelle?”

“Ugh, why are you riding me about this?” she asks,laughing in an effort to convince me that she’s cool, but I know she’s not. Shecan’t lie to me. I know her too well. When I met Eva two years ago, myfriendship with Chantelle began a slow, gradual descent. I felt it happening.Did I do anything about it? No. I just pretended everything was normal, hopingthe issue would correct itself. It didn’t. We grew apart. We weren’t tight likewe used to be, and it’s all on her end, not mine. I didn’t expect that,especially from Chantelle. Man or woman — a best friend is supposed to haveyour back come what may – at least that’s what I thought. Chantelle is supposedto be happy for me. I want her to be happy for me. I don’t think that’stoo much to ask.

“What vibe do you think you’re getting, Samir?”

I shrug, then raise a finger to summon thebartender. Before I can ask for another shot, Chantelle grips my wrist, lowersmy hand and tells the bartender, “That’s okay. He’s good.”

“Oh, wow. I got moms with me tonight.”

“Call it what you want, but I’m looking out foryour well-being. It’s not a good look for you or anybody else to be gettingdrunk as a way of celebrating marriage. I never saw the sense of suchfoolishness.”

I cross my arms and sit up tall. “Had I known youweren’t in the mood to turn up, I would’ve just come alone.”

“Hmph,” she grunts. “You should’ve had a clue whenI said I DON’T FEEL LIKE GOING OUT TONIGHT. Remember that?”

“But you’re usually always in the mood to—”

“Yeah, but on a Wednesday night, Sam? A sister is tied.Not tired. Tied!”

I chuckle. “I get that, but tonight’s different.This is my bachelor party.”

She snorts a laugh. “Bachelor party? You’refunny.”

“What?”

“Boy, this ain’t no bachelor party. A bachelorparty is a bunch of guys out here hootin’ and hollering acting like wildanimals while they toss back an unlimited amount of vodka shots and tease youabout how you’re turning in your player’s card for one woman. Oh, andnot to mention the constant bragging about how they’re still out here bouncingfrom woman to woman and making you feel like you’re missing out on something. Thisain’t that. This is just me and you out here kickin’ it.”

“Well, in case you didn’t know, you’re the onlyperson I need to kick it with and I mean that.”

She looks up at me and I hold her vision as herstare grows intense. She glances at my lips, then back up to my eyes beforeclearing her throat and looking away from me.

What was that about?

It was definitely a moment, but why?

Excerpt from Tell Me: The PreludeRelease Date: May 3, 2024

I decide it’s best to stay away from her for therest of the evening, so that’s what I do. One more hour to go and I will havesuccessfully fulfilled Delton’s wish for me, so I don’t have to hear his mouth.I don’t want to hear no more nagging about how I don’t get out and meet people.It’s done. I can finally tell him to let me be. I’m on the home stretch.

I make myself a fruit bowl and carry it backoutside where I can breathe. Where I’m safely away from her. I staredown the long row of stairs before deciding to sit halfway down. Only a fewpeople are mingling outside, so it’s much safer out here. I’m not expected totalk to passersby. I just sit here, mind my business and eat fruit.

I pull out my stopwatch to check the time. Time ismoving slower than our president. It’s funny how it drags along at times youwant to speed it up. I just have to ride it out. I toss a grape into my mouthand as I do, I smell the strawberry scent of the woman who had made memalfunction. I figure it must be the strawberries in my fruit salad, butshortly after, I feel her presence. I turn my head to glance behind me and sureenough, she’s coming down the stairs.

Crap!

At least I’m outside this time where there’splenty of oxygen.

“There you are,” she says, sitting on the stepright beside me.

I glance at her and quickly look away. I toss agrape into my mouth and say, “Your words imply you were looking for me.”

“I was.”

“Why?”

“Just wanted to make sure you were okay. Plus, Iwant to mix with you.”

“I’m fine and I told you I don’t mix well.”

“What exactly does that mean?” she asks, helpingherself to a strawberry from my bowl and biting it.

*****

Order Tell Me: The Prelude now! This title will also be available on Kindle Unlimited.

 

Excerpt from Tell Me: The PreludeRelease Date: May 3, 2024

I decide it’s best to stay away from her for therest of the evening, so that’s what I do. One more hour to go and I will havesuccessfully fulfilled Delton’s wish for me, so I don’t have to hear his mouth.I don’t want to hear no more nagging about how I don’t get out and meet people.It’s done. I can finally tell him to let me be. I’m on the home stretch.

I make myself a fruit bowl and carry it backoutside where I can breathe. Where I’m safely away from her. I staredown the long row of stairs before deciding to sit halfway down. Only a fewpeople are mingling outside, so it’s much safer out here. I’m not expected totalk to passersby. I just sit here, mind my business and eat fruit.

I pull out my stopwatch to check the time. Time ismoving slower than our president. It’s funny how it drags along at times youwant to speed it up. I just have to ride it out. I toss a grape into my mouthand as I do, I smell the strawberry scent of the woman who had made memalfunction. I figure it must be the strawberries in my fruit salad, butshortly after, I feel her presence. I turn my head to glance behind me and sureenough, she’s coming down the stairs.

Crap!

At least I’m outside this time where there’splenty of oxygen.

“There you are,” she says, sitting on the stepright beside me.

I glance at her and quickly look away. I toss agrape into my mouth and say, “Your words imply you were looking for me.”

“I was.”

“Why?”

“Just wanted to make sure you were okay. Plus, Iwant to mix with you.”

“I’m fine and I told you I don’t mix well.”

“What exactly does that mean?” she asks, helpingherself to a strawberry from my bowl and biting it.

*****

Order Tell Me: The Prelude now! This title will also be available on Kindle Unlimited.

Hi readers! For Teaser Tuesday this week, I am sharing an excerpt from my new Champion Brothers Series book, At The Right Time. The book will be released this Friday, March 29, 2024! It is not available for pre-order. It will just be released. I will also reveal the cover on that date as well. I know you will enjoy Florence's story! (Also, please note that this excerpt could be changed/altered/edited before release day!)


At The Right Time - Excerpt


“I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”
And kiss her he did!
In fact, he kissed her so much, that it prolonged the applause from their family and friends who watched on with unbridled excitement. It was as if the cheers had encouraged him to kiss her harder, but no, it had nothing to do with that. They could’ve been out here alone and he still would’ve been giving her the business. That’s because it was her and their love had grown exponentially in the months after the crazy way they’d met.
Who would’ve ever thought Amira would’ve met her husband because of a traffic stop? She sure didn’t, but that’s how love happens most times – when you least expect it.
Florence smiled, deeply satisfied. As a single mother of four intelligent, beautiful children, she was beyond happy and fulfilled at sixty-two years of age. Her children were a huge part of that happiness and today, seeing Amira and Dominick tie the knot meant that now, all of her children were happily married and living their best lives.
Amazing.
She shook her head as she thought about their unconventional journey. They were already married before this ceremony, but Dominick loved Amira so much, he wanted to make it official and lay it out before everyone that she was his woman and that was that. He wanted Amira to have her day to wear a beautiful gown and dance the night away with her family and friends. They needed to share the first dance, the kisses and feeding each other cake. He wanted the world to know Amira was his wife.
And so on this beautiful fall day in September, they tied the knot at the Riverwalk Landing at the Cape Fear River. It was a special venue for them. He’d walked this strip with her the same moment he knew he was falling in love and now they were back here remembering those moments.
Florence pinched tears from her eyes and felt an overwhelming sense of pride as she saw the happiness in her daughter’s eyes. Then she looked at Jemisha and Mordecai, Savannah and Harding with their son, Harley, and Zoya and Tennyson. It made her feel good as a mother to raise four children practically on her own and watch them grow up, marry and start families of their own.
They were fortunate to have found love and people, good mates, to share their lives with. Lord knows it hadn’t been that way for her. She’d met and fell in love with their father, Nolan Champion, decades ago. He was handsome, charming, caring and thoughtful – he was everything she wanted in a man. Too bad he came with a whole wife! If only she’d known that before she fell for his charm – she’d ended it then and there, but once she was in love, she was in love. There was no ring. No wedding. No reception. No cake. No happily ever after. How could there be when he was married to another woman? His happily ever after was with his wife, for what little it was worth to have a cheating man, and all Florence had was a man who popped in now and again to see his kids and slide into her bed.
It was sad to think about but those memories ran through her mind as she watched Dominick and Amira dance under a plethora of string lights in the precious hour before dusk. Pushing her own turmoil and unhappiness aside, she could envision their entire lives just by watching them. They’d have a couple of gorgeous kids, a dog – a good healthy overall life. Florence could see Dominick working his highway patrol job while Amira finally settled on a career and fully contributed to the success of the household. And the icing on the cake – they were relocating to Wilmington from Asheville after the sale of his house went through.
Love was indeed a beautiful thing.
“Look at you sitting over here looking like a ray of sunshine,” Mordecai said as she threw his arm around his mother.
“I’m just taking it all in, son. I always wanted this for my children—love and happiness—and you all have found it. All four of you. It’s definitely something to be proud of.”
“It is.” Mordecai gently squeezed his mother’s shoulder.
“I raised y’all right.”
“You were the best mother any of us could ever ask for,” he told her. “My question to you is, when is it your turn?”
Florence’s brows bunched together. “My turn for what, Mordecai?”
“You know—to finally find your happily ever after,” he said while looking over at Dominick and Amira briefly before concentrating his attention on her again.
Florence chuckled. Her kids and their wishful thinking…
_________
If you haven't indulged in The Champion Brothers Series, be sure to check it out.