Samantha Darling's Blog

This post has nothing to do with writing or stories but I thought I'd share it with you anyhow. Hands up...I confess, I'm a nail biter, no, no....WAS a nail biter. Had been since the day I can remember and I'm now 29. So it's been a while. I have tried to stop in the past, several years ago, but nothing really happened, a few days into it and I'd start biting again.

But the other day (I started this post in July 2014 and have only just finished it!) I looked at my hands and I really thought to myself, my fingernails and finger tips (the skin all around the edges) looked awful and made me feel a bit ashamed. I decided then that it had to stop. I've taken a few beginning and progress pics so I can share the results with you! Here goes....
Day One.

Day Three. Things had to get worse before they could get better. I pushed the cuticles back, cut off some of the excess and now just had to wait for the skin around the edges to heal. I continued to moisturise loads throughout the day. 

Day Five and things are getting better. Can even see some progress. The cuticles are tidier, the sores/skin around the edges are healing and I have some growth! Woo! 

Day Seven. More progress. More growth and I can even get a little bit of light coloured nail varnish on them! 

It's now February 2015 and I've been having professional manicures every two weeks. My treat to myself - I don't drink, I don't smoke, so it's my little bit of luxury :-) Here's a couple of photos of manicures I've had and my lovely, all natural and most important ALL my own nails. No extensions in sight! 




I love, love, love them and can hand-on-heart say that I will never be a nail biter again! 
Sam :-) X

Hello!

Happy new year and all that jazz. I'm not usually one for believing in the whole 'new year, new slate' bla bla, but after a really, really and I mean REALLY rubbish 2013 and 2014 I've decided that I need to 100% give this believing malarky a try. SO yes, 2015 is going to be a great year. A fantastic 365 days! A bloody magnificent 8760 hours! An amazing 525,600 minutes....you get the picture :-) And kicking me off just five days into this totally wonderful 2015 is the release of my new book, Time.

It took just over a year to write and I love it. It's published with Emerald Romance and to be released tomorrow, 5th January! I'm so honoured and flattered that THE Amy Andrews read an advanced review copy and has quoted on my cover #fangirlmoment. Here's a peek at the blurb and cover, created by the uber talented Annie Seaton 


“Babe, it’s okay. Let the doctor finish.”
With those words, Isobel Smith had no idea of the months ahead. Not long married, pregnant and a wonderful future promised with her husband, Jason, her hopes and dreams die in that one simple sentence.
Follow her in her harrowing journey as Isobel learns the resilience of the female spirit, and gradually puts her life back together for the sake of their child.

James, her husband’s best friend, is the rock that keeps her together.

But will James’ own battle with his grief end up tearing them apart?

Harrowing and gritty, you must not miss this emotional read from debut author, Samantha Darling, as she takes you on a heart wrenching but ultimately uplifting journey.

You can still pre-order, just a few hours left then it will be winging it's way to your Kindle!

Amazon.com
Amazon.co.uk

Tomorrow I'm having a Facebook launch party and everyone is welcome....here's the link....party time!
I'm having lots of guests and lots of giveaways at the party, including a huge $50 Amazon gift card...you can start entering into that by visiting the rafflecopter on my website.

Hope to see you at the party tomorrow!

Night!

Sam :-)
X

So, my dear old blog has been terribly neglected recently :-( BUT not anymore! I'm back in the swing and what better way to kick it all off again than with a spotlight for a great author and a great book. Handing you over to Tracey Rogers....


***
Hello and thank you for hosting me today.

When I’m writing it often involves the consumption of calories, as words and food are the perfect combination. Or is that just me? So when I decided to tackle a new project it seemed only right that I should bring words and food together and decorate them with a sprinkle of romance.
Welcome to the Sweet Delights Bakery, where the kitchen gets hot and there’s tastiness aplenty! First to sample the delights of the bakery are Sophie and Damian. Secrets are laced with sugar in Dating in the Dark, book 1 of the Sweet Delights Series.

If you want a peek of what to expect, check my Dating in the Dark board on pinterest here:

https://uk.pinterest.com/tracerbooks/dating-in-the-dark/


** Blurb **
Can you find what you need hidden within the dark?
Hiding out in his sister's bakery to recover from a recent injury isn't an ideal solution for newly unemployed meteorologist Damian Trent. Especially since he doesn't like cake. But hiding anywhere is preferable to facing the media frenzy revolving around his life. He has no intention of being seen by anyone. That is, until he hears a honey-toned voice over the phone.Public relations agent Sophie Rose has a boss who makes her working week a hellish one. He drives her to her need for sugar, so the recently opened Sweet Delights Bakery is perfect for her much needed Friday treat. But one day when she calls to place an order, she gets an unexpected surprise.Sophie's keen to dump her V-plates, though only the right man will do. Damian, with his sexy, yet familiar sounding voice, seems the ideal person for her to gain some much needed experience with. But why do they need to date in the dark?
Content Warning: contains sensual sex Buy links: Amazon | AmazonUK | B&N


** Excerpt **
Damian rested his arm across his forehead and sighed, trying to blot out the ringing sound and failing. Sleep wasn't happening. He ached from his walk after pushing it to a run. With each step he'd remembered Sophie's voice. He had very little else to occupy his mind, so she was an easy focus. Every stride had gathered pace, and before he knew it a walk had become a jog; a jog becoming a run.And her voice was still inside his head.Stretching out on the creaky sofa bed, he winced at the movement. Irritated, he tugged the sheet down from his bare chest to lean over and grab the phone. He placed it to his ear and muttered something unintelligible."Hi, sorry—did I wake you?""Sophie?" Or was he asleep and dreaming?"Oh, crap. I did, didn't I? I'm so sorry. I couldn't sleep, so I thought… Anyway, my apologies. Pretend it never happened, and goodnight," she said, speeding over her words."Sophie, wait!" he called out, wanting to stop her before she hung up, needing to listen to her voice for a little while longer. "I couldn't sleep either," he reassured her as he heard her soft breaths. He shuffled higher against his pillow and propped one hand behind his head. Why couldn't she sleep? Because of him? And how had she gotten his number?"Really?" Her relieved sigh made him smile. If he wasn't careful, smiling could become a habit of his. "When you left your number in the box, I thought…"Left his number? He had no idea what his number was."What did you think?""I thought you might want me to call?" she asked hesitantly, as if she was worried about his response. She wouldn't be worried if she could see the stirring going on beneath the sheet. Or maybe she would be? Though she seemed confident, he still detected a shyness behind her words."And did you want to call?""I did."His jaw clenched at her immediate response, a muscle flickering in his cheek. Interesting. Her honesty was evoking things inside that he was starting to like. A lot."I like hearing your voice."Christ, what was she doing to him?"What do you look like?" he asked, without thinking about the repercussions of his question.Silence."Does that matter?" she said quietly, the warmth in her tone dropping a degree or two."No, no it doesn't." He frowned, the admission taking him by surprise. "Tell me what you're wearing instead.""Why?""Because if you don't tell me you're wearing something hideous, I won't be sleeping for the rest of the night either."She laughed then, the sound not helping his libido whatsoever. "Damian.""Yeah.""I'm not wearing anything hideous." He groaned then, obviously out loud because Sophie was laughing again. "I'm not wearing anything."Oh, hell. A sudden spike of desire sliced through his veins, making him regret his impulsive words. "Then I'm now very grateful I don't know what you look like.""You could. Know what I look like I mean.""You want to tell me now?""No. I want to show you. On a…date?"Damian lifted a hand to his face, massaging his fingers above his brow, then lower to scrub over his jaw. His breath felt restricted by his tightening lungs. As much as he wanted to see her, to touch her, to have someone touch him in a way that wasn't clinical or trying to fix him—he couldn't do it. How could he see her, without her seeing him?

** Author Bio **
Usually found with a pen in my hand, or my head in a book, I’m a contemporary romance author who also thinks fangs and wings are a very attractive accessory.
A devourer of books from an early age, imagination was my best discovery. I spent much of my childhood stepping into wardrobes, searching for that magical snowy world where conversing with animals would be expected. When I wasn’t searching for those worlds, I wrote about them instead. My first step into the world of romance was when I stole sneak peeks into my nana’s books. I’m still in that world and I refuse to leave.

I live in Staffordshire, UK, with my husband and three wonderful children. An avid reader and writer of romance, I strongly believe that words make the world go around. I like nothing more than to be swept away by the words on a page. I hope I can sweep you away too.

I love to hear from readers! You can find me here:

Blog - http://traceyrogers.com/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/TraceRbookworm
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tracey-Rogers-Author/197643867052117?ref=hl
Email – traceyrogersaut@gmail.com

Goodluck with your new release, Tracey! 

Sam 
X

I'm really excited to have Tabitha Rayne on my blog today! Not only is she a wonderfully talented writer, she's an amazing artist. I have already purchased three commissioned pieces from her. I love, love, love them and intend to buy some beautiful little frames to put them in. Read on and find out out more on Tabitha's stories and naughty drawings...
Lounging With Ms Darling   Lounging
I would like to thank Samantha for having me over today to talk about my saucy drawings. I have always loved to draw, particularly nude ladies which often went hidden in my bedroom for fear of being seen as being naughty!
In Preparation 
They weren't naughty back then though, simply a celebration, fascination and complete joy at studying the human form. When I got a bit older and went to life drawing classes, I was in heaven... the way that light reflects glints off flesh is utterly captivating to me. Still, these drawings, were more of a study rather than an emotional response. It was only when I started taking private drawing classes with an older gentleman that he suggested drawing more erotic poses – or giving the feeling of eroticism. And so my love of creating sensual art grew. I sent one to my friend, Lily Harlem who encouraged me to display them a bit more publicly.

The trick is to know when it's finishedSo, when I shyly showed off my creations earlier this year, Samantha was so supportive and even commissioned some!

I am first and foremost a writer, but sometimes when the muse deserts me, it's the drawings that take over, and I'm glad – if I wasn't making something, I would go mad!
If you want to see some more, here's a link to my gallery page.
Thanks for letting me chat lovely Ms Darling!

Bio
Tabitha Rayne has been told she is quirky, lovely and kinky – not necessarily in that order or by the same person. She writes erotic romance and as long as there’s a love scene – she’ll explore any genre. Tabitha also has a passion for art and takes great pleasure in painting nudes.
Her short stories are included in anthologies from Cleis Press, Ravenous Romance, HarperCollins Mischief, Xcite, Oysters & Chocolate, Burning Books Press and House of Erotica. Her novella, Mia's Books won a Reader's Choice Award with TwoLips reviews. The Clockwork Butterfly trilogy is available from Beachwalk Press.
TabithaRayne.co.uk Facebook
Twitter Brit Babes Blog Spicy Author Blog
Amazon Author Page  UK
Amazon Author Page  US - provides an up to date book list Amazon Author page Goodreads Author Page
Thanks for stopping by Tabitha. All the best with your writing and drawings! 
Sam :-) X 

The super talented Ella Jade has stopped by this morning to talk about her latest release, Stealing His Heart....

Thanks so much for hosting me today. I’m thrilled to announce the release of my newest erotic, contemporary romance Stealing His Heart. If you like your men hot, dirty and southern, I may have just the thing for you.



When the players take the field this spring come meet my players...

Will the bad-boy pitcher strike out when it comes to love?
Shy music teacher Sophia Ballis has sworn off men. After a bad experience with a college jock she decided it was better to be alone than to get burned again. She focused on her education and now her new job at a local private school.
Professional baseball pitcher Paxton Hughes is a player both on and off the field. He's signed to the Kingston Crushers to bring home the coveted championship title. Nothing can get in his way. Serious relationships don't mix with a life on the road and he never loses focus on the game. One-night stands are his specialty for a reason.
While out jogging one spring morning, the two collide, setting their course in motion. Pax is immediately drawn to the unassuming beauty. Sophia is aware of his reputation and decides one night of meaningless sex with the attractive Texas charmer is just what she needs to get over her self-imposed dry spell. Pax has more than a one-night stand on his mind, but will his bad-boy persona and demanding schedule ruin any chances of a happily ever after?
Content Warning: contains explicit sex and adult content
Beachwalk Press Buy Link   Amazon.com   Barnes & Noble 


Excerpt
“Can I walk you to your car?”“Thank you.” Sophia got up from the table and took his hand. “I’m parked right out front.”Pax led her across the dance floor, waving to the few people who were left, and then out to the parking lot.“It’s that one.” She pointed to her beat-up car, the one she’d bought her freshman year of college. It was used then but it still managed to get her where she needed to go. “Probably not as nice as what you drive.”He leaned her against the car and wrapped his arms around her waist. Her heart pounded hard against her chest, strumming loud between her ears. She could smell the beer that lingered on his breath. His hazel eyes narrowed as he swiped the tip of his tongue along his top lip before tilting his head.“I have a feeling I’m going be seeing you in my dreams tonight.” He sighed as he brought his mouth to hers. “Give me something to remember these next few days.”She nodded as she placed her hands on his broad shoulders and guided him to her, closing any space between them. When his warm lips touched hers, she thought she would explode. A burn coursed through her and settled between her legs. The mild tingling she’d experienced when they danced was nothing compared to the intensity she felt now.As he deepened the kiss, his tongue massaged hers. Increasing his hold on her hips, he pinned her between the car and his massive thighs. She tightened her grip on him when his erection grazed her center. Every nerve ending in her begged to be satiated. The ache inside her stomach moved lower until the dampness invaded her panties. Her nipples poked against the thin material of her silk bra.When she moaned into his mouth, he placed one last kiss on her lips before pulling away. He looked at her for a moment, pressing his forehead to hers, as he stuttered a few words.“That was...well, I’ve never...” He ran his fingers through his hair. “You have me tongue-tied, sugar. That doesn’t happen often.”Now she wanted to know what else he could do with that tongue.“You best get in that car and drive away before I...”She’d never wanted to have a one-night stand more than she did at that very moment. Maggie had said if there was ever a guy to have one with, Pax would be the one. He was a no-strings-attached player. Why hadn’t he asked her to go home with him?“Be safe driving home.” He reached for the handle and opened her door. “You have some sweet dreams. I know I sure will.”Sleep? That was the last thing on her mind.
About Ella

Ella Jade has been writing for as long as she can remember. As a child, she often had a notebook and pen with her, and now as an adult, the laptop is never far. The plots and dialogue have always played out in her head, but she never knew what to do with them. That all changed when she discovered the eBook industry. She started penning novels at a rapid pace and now she can't be stopped.Ella resides in New Jersey with her husband and two young boys. When she's not chasing after her kids, she's busy writing, attending PTO meetings, kickboxing, and scrapbooking. She hopes you'll get lost in her words.You can connect with her at:Blog: http://ellajadeauthor.blogspot.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ella-Jade-Author/186959391390708?ref=hlTwitter: http://twitter.com/ellajade1
GIVEAWAY
I’m giving away a Bath and Body Works Hand Sanitizer, A Keychain with the cover art and signed swag to three winners throughout the tour.



a Rafflecopter giveaway


Thanks for stopping by. I hope you’ll consider adding Stealing His Heart to your TBR pile.


'Til next time!Sam :-) X

The lovely Aimee Duffy has a new release out, the 2nd novella in her sexy trilogy, Indecent Proposals with Harper Impulse. It's a must! 
The second novella in a thrilling, pulse-racing new erotic romance series, Indecent Proposals.


Three best friends, Shey, Eloisa and Georgia take on the most powerful and eligible men of the New York dating scene.
Georgia broke away from his mouth, gasping in a lung full of air.
‘Max, I need—’
He unwrapped her legs from his waist and placed her back on her feet.
She was about to protest when he broke in, ‘I know exactly what you need.’
Striking New York singleton Georgia has never had any trouble attracting men, but she has a surprising secret; she’s never had an orgasm.
So when her gorgeous new boss Max Briggs makes her a scandalous offer, she doubts this time will be any different. But what happens when Max discovers her secret? How long will Georgia’s resolve last when he becomes determined to be the man to give Georgia her first taste of ecstasy?

Excerpt:
‘It’s personal,’ he warned.
Georgia swallowed. They hadn’t agreed on this being more than an extension of work and she couldn’t blame him for assuming. After all, she’d let him touch her, let him pull her close. She’d even licked his mouth, for frick sake. But she hadn’t made her mind up on it being anything more. Or was her body deciding for her?
‘Relax,’ he said, stroking her lower back. ‘It’s not what you think.’
Georgia straightened up and pulled her arms from his neck. He caught her wrists, his thumbs lazily drew circles over the veins, sending delicious currents through her.
God, no man had touched her like this. No man had turned her on this much. Could Max be the one to give her what she’d never had?
‘Easy.’ His expression turned serious, but he didn’t release the gentle hold he had on her wrists. ‘Do you always take the lead with men?’
The question caught her off guard. ‘What business is that of yours?’
The corner of his mouth twitched, pissing her off and giving her the strength to pull her arms free. He didn’t seem deterred by her anger.
‘It’s not, but you seem more sure of yourself when you do. I’ve been thinking.’
She crossed her arms, tucking her clutch under her elbow. ‘About whether I like it better on top? I thought we’d been through this, I can’t—’
‘Maybe that’s the problem,’ he said, deadpan serious.
Her chin dipped. ‘You try to take control, thinking it will be easier to get what you want. Have you ever thought of surrendering that with someone? Letting them take the lead.’
Well, yeah. About a minute ago but she’d been thinking about dancing. Her face burned, and she was right back in the moment in her office when she realized he’d read the email. She darted a glance around, but they weren’t in hearing distance of the other guests. Didn’t stop the shame burning up her neck. Max came closer, and she leaned back. He didn’t try to touch her which was smart. Her anger was simmering right below the surface.
‘Georgia, imagine surrendering that control to me. Imagine letting all the worry about everything go until there’s nothing left but my mouth and hands on your body. Teasing, nibbling and sucking you all over.’
Before she could stop it, the fantasy formed – but it wasn’t like others she’d had. She was on a huge four-poster bed with her wrists bound above her head. Max was on top of her, his mouth hot and teasing against her collarbone as he toyed with her nipples. They pebbled, and heat flooded between her legs. She closed her eyes, lost in the faux sensations, until his arms came around her for real. Her eyes snapped open, and she shoved at his chest as panic tightened her throat.
Though he loosened his hold, he didn’t let go. ‘People are watching,’ he warned. Her heart was beating so hard, pumping scorching blood through her veins. The pounding between her legs almost hurt, and she squeezed at her thighs to get relief.
But this was crazy, she wasn’t submissive.
‘Max, that’s not what I want.’ The lie didn’t convince either of them, so she tried again. ‘I’m not some…some…submissive who will kneel at your feet.’
She’d read enough of those kind of romance novels to know that much. Some of the scenes had turned her on, but the pain… She shivered.
‘I’d never want you to, but just now whatever you were imagining turned you on. Georgia your skin flushed, you were panting and swaying so much I had to hold you up.’
She couldn’t look into his knowing eyes, instead she focused on his black tie. The pain was a deal breaker, but other things? Georgia didn’t know. The thought of his tie around her wrists while he had her in all of those different ways did turn her on.
‘I’m not a submissive,’ she said again, her voice hard and firm. He tilted her chin up until she was forced to meet his eyes. They were soft, unexpectedly kind and full of understanding.
‘That’s a label, honey. One that gets misused all the time. You’re strong, confident and extremely sexy. Giving up control in the bedroom doesn’t make you any less of who you are. Different things turn different people on.’
‘What do you like in the bedroom?’ she asked, desperate to get subject off her.

Buy link: Grab it here
About the Author

Aimée writes steamy, contemporary romance for the 21st century woman who enjoys the 21st century alpha male. She’s addicted to reading, shopping and can’t go a day without music. When she’s not writing you can find her traipsing up the Ochils (weather permitting of course) or procrastinating on Facebook and Twitter.

Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads / Pinterest / Google +
'Til next time! 
Sam :-) X

I have another lovely beachwalk Babe here today to talk about her latest release, Find Me....Hi Ella! 

Thanks so much for hosting me today. I’m please to announce the release of my very first paranormal romance. This idea has been in my head for several years so to finally see it on the pages is a dream come true for me. I hope you enjoy what I’ve come up with.
A love that transcends time…As her 25th birthday approaches, Riley Sparrow begins to dream of a handsome, intriguing stranger. Each night the dreams get more intense and the stranger starts leaving her clues to his whereabouts. The dreams always end in a whisper…Find Me.Riley has denied her birthright her entire life. She descends from a strong line of witches and warlocks, but she's refused her powers up until now. With the help of her estranged grandfather she learns that her mystery man is from the past and his life is in danger. Will her grandfather help her travel back to 1963 to save the man she believes she's meant to be with? A man she knows nothing about but feels a strong connection to.If she finds him, can she save him from the evil that haunts them both? By securing his past, she knows there can never be a future for them in her time.Content Warning: contains sensual sex scenesBeachwalk Press Buy Link
ExcerptRiley closed her eyes and let the heat of the water engulf her tired muscles. Resting her head against the bath pillow, she cleared her mind. The steam seeped out from the bubbles and swirled around the room. Soon the mirror and windows were fogged and a scented mist surrounded the bathroom, creating a relaxing atmosphere. A week’s worth of sleepless nights had taken their toll and Riley drifted off.
The squeak of the faucet and the silence that followed distracted her tranquil thoughts. She opened her eyes to find him sitting on the edge of the tub looking at her. For a moment, she felt self-conscious. She glanced down and discovered her body covered in thick, white bubbles. He couldn’t see anything but the tops of her shoulders, neck, and face.“Sorry,” he said. “I was afraid the water would overflow.”“Am I awake?”He shook his head. She noted his green eyes sparkled even in the dim lighting of the bathroom.“Well, then how—”“It’s complicated.” His thin, pink lips formed a small smile. “I can’t explain now.”“Why not?”“There isn’t enough time to make you understand while you’re in your current state. We need much more time. You can get that for us.”“Are you real or am I crazy?”“I’m very real, just stuck between realms. I’ve been waiting for you for a long time.” He slid off the side of the tub and knelt down on the floor. “I’m afraid I can’t stay very long. I keep trying to figure out how to increase the length of my visits but nothing seems to work.”“I don’t know you.”“You will.” He reached for the clip in her hair. “May I?”She nodded.Once he’d freed her hair from its confines, he smoothed the damp locks out with his hand. “I like when you wear it down. It’s so pretty.” He continued to stroke her hair. “You’re just as beautiful as I remember.”“How do you know me?” She shifted her position to face him. She breathed in his crisp scent. He smelled of spice, maybe a hint of cinnamon.“I…” He trailed off when his gaze caught her exposed breasts. He looked lost in a distant memory.When she’d turned to face him she’d upset the bubbles shielding her. Her nipples hardened as she watched him take in her flesh. She no longer felt embarrassed.“I have to go.”“You keep leaving me. I don’t like it.” Each time he left, he took a small piece of her with him.“That’s why you need to find me.” He leaned forward. “I know you can. You’re very powerful.” He brushed his lips against her mouth. A rush of warmth coursed through her and settled between her legs. “Find me, Riley.” He kissed the corner of her mouth, lingering a second longer than usual. She took the opportunity to run her tongue along his soft lips. “Find me now.”“How?” She wanted more than anything to find this man. “What do I need to do?”“Tucker…” he whispered.“What?”
Riley slipped off the bath pillow and under the cold water. She quickly sat up and looked around. The bubbles had evaporated into the freezing water. Did she turn the faucet off? Or did…I must be crazy.She thought for a moment. Her mystery man had left her a big clue tonight. Now she needed to figure out what Tucker Sparrow had to do with any of this. It looked as if she would be paying a visit to a man she hadn’t seen in a decade.
About Ella
Ella Jade has been writing for as long as she can remember. As a child, she often had a notebook and pen with her, and now as an adult, the laptop is never far. The plots and dialogue have always played out in her head, but she never knew what to do with them. That all changed when she discovered the eBook industry. She started penning novels at a rapid pace and now she can't be stopped.Ella resides in New Jersey with her husband and two young boys. When she's not chasing after her kids, she's busy writing, attending PTO meetings, kickboxing, and scrapbooking. She hopes you'll get lost in her words.You can connect with her at:BlogFacebookTwitter

GIVEAWAY
I’m offering a $5.00 Amazon Gift card and some signed swag to one lucky commenter.
I hope you’ll add Find Me to your TBR pile.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

'Til next time! 
Sam :-) 
X

It's a pleasure to have another fellow Beachwalk Babe here today...straight over to you Lacey Wolfe....
Arranged Love



They think they’re fooling their parents, but really, the joke’s on them.

Kayla Ames’s parents could win an award in meddling. Every time she turns around, they’re setting her up with someone new. Try as she might, she can’t convince them to butt out of her love life.

 Ryan Newell isn’t looking for love. After having his heart torn to shreds by his ex, he’s determined to never again fall in love and leave himself that vulnerable to being hurt. His parents, however, believe he just needs some help finding the right woman, and their friends’ daughter, Kayla, might be a perfect match.

Realizing they both have the same problem—parents who won’t stop nagging them about finding a partner—Ryan and Kayla agree to an arrangement of sorts. All they have to do is pretend to date, and they don’t even have to see each other, they can discuss the details of their “dates” via email. But then the email conversations lead to real dates, and Kayla finds herself struggling to keep her feelings for Ryan in check as he’s made it clear love will not enter into the equation for him. Then Kayla’s parents suddenly announce they’re getting a divorce, and she begins to wonder if maybe Ryan has the right idea.

When it all gets to be too much for Kayla, she has a hard decision to make—agree to stay with Ryan and never experience love, or walk away for her chance to find it.


Buy Links
Amazon.com     Amazon.co.uk    Nook     Beachwalk Press
Excerpt 1

Leaning forward, Kayla grabbed the remote and turned the TV off. It was early still and since she wasn't tired, sleep wasn't an option. She could go out again. Maybe call a friend to go to a club or something. Or she could go back to the bar from last night…no, no she couldn't.

If she went out though, she'd have to change. And she was really comfortable. She grabbed the remote again, and as the TV turned on, she swore she heard someone tap on her door. Was Bunny chewing on something she shouldn't be?

Kayla got off the couch, but saw the rabbit had taken a corner and was lying there, far away from the front door. She peeked through the peephole and, to her surprise, she saw Doug, or whatever his name was. Why was he there? And what was he carrying in his hands?

Taking a deep breath, she opened the door. "Hi."

"It's nice to see you again." He smiled an oh-so-sexy grin. "Your parents sent me with food. They insisted I get this to you right away."

"They did, huh?"

He held the bag out to her and she took it. "Could I come in?"

She sucked in her bottom lip and weighed her choices. Send him away and be done with this, or see what he wants. What did she have to lose? "Sure."

Doug brushed past her into her house. She stood back a moment, watching him as he glanced around and then finally took a seat on her couch. Kayla joined the mystery man in the living room, tossing the bag of food on the coffee table as she sat on the love seat opposite of the couch he was on. Her stomach rumbled as she inhaled the aroma from the bag now sitting on the coffee table.

"So, what brings you by, besides the food?" she asked, and quickly added, "Please tell me your real name as well. It's only fair since you know mine."

"Kayla, and it's a lovely name. Mine is actually Ryan. Ryan Newell." He took a moment to rub his temple and proceeded. "Obviously, our parents are interested in us hooking up."

Hooking up…they'd covered that already. "I'm sorry. My parents are a bit over the top."

"I'd have to agree. Yours are a little worse than mine. Usually my parents leave me alone, but with your folks, it was like they were double-teaming me. They feel very strongly about you and I getting to know one another."

"Figures. I'd say we accomplished that in a way they probably weren't wanting."

He grinned again. Her heart fluttered. She needed to pack this man up and get him out of there.

"Why don't we give them what they want?"

What did he say? He couldn't really want to go along with them. "Excuse me."

"Let's date, for them. It'll get them to leave us alone."

She laughed. He wasn't serious, was he? "Brilliant plan, but I'll pass for now."

"Just hear me out. I'm not looking to fall in love. But if we pretend to be dating, our parents won't try to set us up anymore. We don't even have to see one another. We can discuss our dates and be on the same page with our stories."

"Wait." She held her hand up, staring at the dark-haired man that made her stomach do summersaults. "You're saying we aren't going to actually date. We never have to see one another. But our parents will think we are."

He nodded.

"I'm in." Kayla shrugged. "What could go wrong?"

 Buy Links: Amazon | Nook | Find Lacey: Website | Facebook (Fan) | Facebook (Friend) | Twitter
Giveaway:
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'Til next time!
Sam :-)
X

This is short post, I just wanted to share this video...Pharrell Williams - Happy. It's so damn infectious, I can't stop humming it and playing it back over on Youtube....it's really not the most conducive song whilst trying to try a sad scene!

So, I'm spreading the happiness from me to you...play it, clap along, do a silly dance and be HAPPY! 

 

One more thing, is it just me, or does Pharrell look good in anything he wears?

'Til next time! Be happy! 

Sam :-) 
X

Have you heard? The lovely Tracey Rogers has a new book out with Beachwalk Press! Take it away, Tracey...



Blurb
Faking it never felt so good.
Wedding photographer and romance lover Izzy Latham dreams of finding her own happily-ever-after. When her former teenage crush arrives at her doorstep, looking sexier than ever, and asks to marry her, it should be her dream come true, right? Wrong. It turns out he doesn't want to actually marry her—he only wants to pretend to marry her.
Marriage hater Jack Carter will do anything to close his latest business deal, including finding a wife. The only person who can help him is his childhood friend, Izzy. Except Izzy isn't a little girl anymore. She's definitely all woman, and there's an attraction between them that's hard to ignore.
Jack has to convince Izzy to fake it, but the problem is that she hates to lie. However, she can't deny her feelings for him either. So when Jack makes her an offer she can't refuse, she reluctantly agrees to help him out.
Faking it is the easy part. But what happens when fake starts to feel so real?
Content Warning: contains sensual sex and occasional strong language
   
Excerpt
"Let me work off the money," Izzy said.
She felt Jack's gaze rake over her body, watched the clench of his jaw. "And how are you planning to work it off, Isabel?" he almost growled. "Is that what all of this is about?" he asked as his hand made an indicating sweep over her body. "Dress to impress so you can pay me in kind?"
"Oh God, no," she spluttered. "This is me showing you I'm not the weak, naïve girl I used to be and I won't be pushed around!"
The hard glint in his eyes softened slightly. "You were never weak. Naïve…" He trailed off. "So how exactly were you planning to pay me back?"
"Working here for you for free until I pay you back. I could collect glasses, work the bar, or clean."
"And you have experience in any of those roles?"
"No. But I could learn."
"But what about the house repairs?"
She shrugged. "I could do that during the daytime and work here at night. Then when I'm earning again from my day job I'll pay you back."
"And what exactly is your day job?"
"I'm a photographer. I could even do that here. Take photographs of the patrons and sell them for you."
"You work freelance?”
"I have my own business." She hesitated before elaborating. "As a wedding photographer," she said quickly, hoping he wouldn't snag the teasing opportunity.
Too late. The corner of his mouth quirked until it bloomed until a grin. "A wedding photographer. How appropriate. I knew playing dress-up with your mother's veil and having teddy bears as your guests would have an influence on you one day."
"You mean like wanting to have a traditional wedding where the groom doesn't have to bribe the bride? Yeah, my childhood messed me up real bad," she said with sarcasm.
"You're not working here, Izzy. And this conversation is over."
"No, it's not. I'm giving you a solution to paying off what I owe. I'll work off the amount Ellie paid for our debts and the rest you get from her. So when do I start?"
"You are not working here."
"Why?"
"Do you really want to have some guy groping you as you serve drinks? Or a group of guys? I run a tight ship and look out for my staff, but sometimes it happens."
"I can look after myself. I have been groped before, you know. I can deal with it."
He slid his chair closer, bending his legs so hers surrounded him without touching, but close, very close. He looked up at her under dark lashes. "So if some guy puts a hand on your leg you wouldn’t mind?"
She shook her head.
"And if that hand strayed beneath your dress?" he asked as his hand reached out to graze the sensitive skin of her inner thigh, making her shudder.
She shook her head slowly, earning a dark look. Of course she would mind. But this was Jack.
He stood abruptly, stepping into the v of her thighs. "And if a guy tried to kiss you?"
"I have been kissed before, remember?" she said, inwardly cringing at how breathless she sounded.
"I remember being a boy kissing you as a girl. If I were to kiss you now I wouldn’t be holding back and I wouldn’t be kissing you as a boy—I’d be kissing you as a man."
"Then do it," she demanded.

Buy Links 


AmazonUK| Amazon.com| Nook  | Beachwalk Press

Author bio
A devourer of books from an early age, I spent much of my childhood stepping into wardrobes, searching for that magical snowy world where conversing with animals would be expected. When I wasn't searching for those worlds, I wrote about them instead. My first step into the world of romance was when I stole sneak peeks into my nana's books. I'm still in that world and refuse to leave.
I live in Staffordshire, UK, with my husband and three wonderful children. An avid reader and writer of romance, I strongly believe that words make the world go around.

You can find me here: http://traceyrogers.wordpress.com/

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Or email me at: traceyrogersaut@gmail.com
 'Til next time! Sam :-) X