PRE-HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY ENDING DECEMBER 1!
I'm pleased to welcome Sadira Stone to Journeys with Jana. She's here to talk about her newest release, Christmas Rekindled, part of the Bangers Tavern series which is on sale for .99 cents until December 4. And she's supplying us with a cocktail recipe, just in time for the holidays! Thanks Sadira!
When two Scrooges unite to save a bar in trouble, a kiss under the mistletoe sparks the sexiest Christmas miracle ever.
Bartender River Lundqvist has a damn good reason for hating Christmas. Bangers Tavern is the perfect place to lay low over the holidays—until Charlie walks in. His first encounter with the saucy server nine years ago was utter humiliation. Her reappearance stirs up powerful desires and hopes for a new start. But the timing is all wrong.
Back in Tacoma to care for her estranged dad over the holidays, freelance web designer Charlie Khoury braces herself for the suckiest Christmas ever. A temporary job at Bangers Tavern gives her a chance to escape Dad’s criticism and blow off some steam. But why does the hunky bartender seem to hate her?
A pretend girlfriend is just what River needs to keep his family off his back—until a kiss under the mistletoe flares hot enough to melt the North Pole. When greedy developers threaten Bangers Tavern, River and Charlie must team up to save it. Their sizzling chemistry feels like the real thing—but everyone knows rebound relationships don’t last.
Come to Bangers Tavern for an enemies-to-lovers tale of reconciliation, found family, holiday cocktails, and the steamiest Christmas miracle ever.
A holiday cocktail from River Lundqvist, hero of Christmas Rekindled and bartender extraordinaire at Bangers Tavern.
Jaegertee
This sweet, boozy, “hunter’s tea” from Austria is the perfect warm-up tipple for après-ski. Just don’t drink one until you’ve reached the bottom of the ski run! Any spiced rum will do, but if you can get some, try Stroh rum from Austria for an authentic kick. If you choose Stroh 160, reduce the amount of rum—that stuff is strong.
In a saucepan, combine a cup (250 ml) of brewed black tea, a cup of orange juice, three whole cloves, a cinnamon stick, and three lemon slices. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about five minutes to blend the flavors. Turn the heat very low, then add a cup each (250 ml each) of red wine, spiced rum, plus a cup of plum brandy, apple brandy, or any other sweet liqueur you have lying around. Stir, cover the pan, and warm the mixture through but do not boil—you don’t want to burn off the alcohol! Remove from the heat, strain the Jaegertee, and add brown sugar to taste. Serve in mugs. Will serve about six—or one Jojo (Bangers Tavern’s mammoth bouncer). Prost!
Excerpt:
Her low, throaty chuckle made him want to kiss her again. Though he pretty much wanted to kiss her anytime she was within range.
She laid her hand palm-up on the center console. “The thing is, I’m not looking for a relationship.”
Remembering a bit of Dawn’s wisdom, he nestled his hand into hers. “You never find a relationship when you’re looking for one.”
Her gaze softened, open and vulnerable. “Are you looking?”
Warning sirens blared inside his head. This was a question to answer very carefully. “If you’d asked me a month ago, I’d say, ‘No way.’ But then, I kissed this girl under the mistletoe, and…”
She closed her eyes, lifted his hand, and pressed it to her sternum. Beneath his palm, her heart thudded fast. His pulse sped to match hers. He held his breath.
“I like you, River.” Her whisper matched the brush of snowflakes against the windows.
“I like you too.”
She inhaled deeply, then met his gaze. “Enough to be my friend?”
He nodded, mesmerized.
“Because my life is a mess right now, and I have no idea what the fuck I’m doing.”
Her coarse language stirred up a heady swirl of laughter, sympathy, and arousal. He scooted as near as the center console allowed and placed his lips close to her ear. “I’ll tell you a secret. Me neither.”
Fire flickered in her eyes’ inky depths. Her lips parted. A golden thread wound around his heart and tugged him toward her. His thumb stroked the delicate line of her jaw as he closed the distance.
Buy Links:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08JKW3XR2
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/christmas-rekindled-sadira-stone/1137720901?ean=2940162818212
Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1532772664
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/christmas-rekindled
Google Play Books: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=R3X_DwAAQBAJ
Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55430214-christmas-rekindled
Universal book link: https://books2read.com/b/3JjPxP
Story Origin Universal link: https://storyoriginapp.com/universalbooklinks/ccc92634-0333-11eb-a6bb-ff78f1d0dee5
Bookbub link: https://www.bookbub.com/books/christmas-rekindled-a-bangers-tavern-romance-by-sadira-stone
Author Bio:
Ever since her first kiss, Sadira’s been spinning steamy tales in her head. After leaving her teaching career in Germany, she finally tried her hand at writing one. Now she’s a happy citizen of Romancelandia, penning contemporary romance from her new home in Washington State, U.S.A. When not writing, which is seldom, she explores the Pacific Northwest with her charming husband, enjoys the local music scene, plays darts (pretty well), plays guitar (badly), and gobbles all the books. Visit Sadira at www.sadirastone.com.
Visit Sadira on All the Socials!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sadirastone/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SadiraStone
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18568049.Sadira_Stone
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/sadira-stone
Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/Sadira-Stone/e/B07KWK5FBX
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/sadira0641/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sadirastone/
Author newsletter: https://eepurl.com/dKLMP2
Tell us about what you write (short stories, novellas, novels, non-fiction)?
I write steamy contemporary romance set in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. My Book Nirvana series centers around a quirky bookshop in Eugene, Oregon. Gelato Surprise is a steamy older woman/younger man beach romance novella. The Bangers Tavern Romance series is set in a neighborhood tavern in Tacoma, Washington, where I live—the town, not the tavern! Each story features a holiday celebration in Bangers Tavern: Christmas, St. Patrick’s Day, Cinco de Mayo, 4th of July, Halloween, etc. During this sad time when so many bars, restaurants, and other businesses are shut down, Bangers Tavern gives me the chance to virtually share the fun, camaraderie, and bar food I miss so much. And each volume includes tasty cocktail recipes I’ve personally tested and tweaked—a tough job, but I do it for my readers (wink).
Under my own name, I write cozy mysteries and creepy short stories—think The Twilight Zone—but so far only one creepy short has been published. I’ll get to the rest of them eventually, but right now I’m having too much fun writing romance!
I'm helping fellow Wild Rose Press author Cherie Colyer celebrate the release of her new YA novel DAMNED WHEN I DIDN'T. Make sure to enter Cherie's giveaway. You'll find the Rafflecopter link at the end of the post. Best of luck, Cherie!
Damned When I Didn’t
Cherie Colyer
Published by: The Wild Rose Press
Publication date: November 18th 2020
Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult
Death isn’t the end for eighteen-year-old Avery Williams, and her final resting place isn’t beyond the Golden Gates. No, the Queen of the Damned has plans for her and, unbeknownst to Avery, fought hard to gain possession of her soul.
As Hell’s newest succubus, Avery is expected to siphon life from the living. It only takes a long, meaningful kiss, but for a virgin like Avery, kissing guys she barely knows isn’t something she’s comfortable doing. Avery focuses on the upside of her fate—she’ll be returning home, or so she thinks. When the Queen of the Damned cuts her off from her old life, Avery is determined to find a way back to her family and friends, even if it means facing Hell’s fury if she’s caught.
Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo / Google Play
—
EXCERPT:
I kicked my sneakers off near the kitchen stools and dropped my purse on the floor.
“What’s your problem?” Cole asked. He stood a few feet from me, eyes narrowed.
“Nothing.” I breathed in deep, trying to calm myself. The stench of cheap perfume invaded my nostrils. I covered my nose with my hand. “You reek of imitation lavender and…and…onions.”
Cole tossed his keys onto the counter. Obvious confusion flittered over his features only to be replaced with the realization that I was referring to the scents of the waitress.
“You’re one to talk!” he spit back. “You stink of Sport Goofy.”
“Sport Goofy, I mean Marcus, barely touched me.” Cole gave off such a strong odor, I was sure the waitress had put her hands all over him.
Cole stepped closer, placing his hands on the counter on either side of me, caging me in.
“And I barely touched her,” he growled. “When a human’s life force flows from them to us, our souls grow brighter and—”
“We smell like them,” I said, finishing his sentence. He’d told me that once.
“And because our senses become sharper, we know when our kind renews.” The blue in his irises was more pronounced than I’d remembered. I bit my lip to keep from asking him if that was because of my heightened vision or because he’d renewed, as he called it. “Now, do you want to tell me what’s really bothering you?”
I felt my face warm, and I had to fight to keep my gaze from traveling to his lips. Did I want to admit that I was irrationally jealous that he’d kissed another girl? Nope. So, instead, I said, “Her smell makes me want to puke.”
“Eau de Jock is doing the same to me.”
“You’re the one who called Sport Goofy,” I reminded him.
He smiled, clearly happy that I’d called Marcus by the nickname.
“You’re the one who pissed off the Queen of the Damned,” he countered.
I twitched a shoulder. “I still can’t stand how you smell right now.”
“Fine!” He grabbed me just under my butt and lifted me over his shoulder. I screamed. He held my legs, keeping me from falling.
“What are you doing?” I grabbed his waist from my upside down position.
“You think I smell?”
“Reek. And you said I do, too! Now put me down!”
“Let’s fix that.”
He marched to the bathroom with me slung over his shoulder. The next thing I knew we were standing in the tub. He continued to hold me like a sack of rice.
“Cole?”
He slid me down his chest so I stood in front of him with his arms keeping me from moving.
“Cole?”
He reached behind me.
I glanced up at the showerhead, then to the knob next to me. “You wouldn’t!”
“Want to bet?”
Author Bio:
Cherie Colyer is the author of Challenging Destiny and the Embrace series. When she's not getting the fictional people in her life into trouble, she can be found solving network issues at work, spending time with family and friends, reading, or exploring the great outdoors.
Cherie lives in Illinois with her family.
To learn more about Cherie and her novels visit www.CherieColyer.com
Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Newsletter
GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Hosted by:
Julia Stewart, Lobster Cove’s high school principal, swears she’ll never let another man drag her away from the home she loves. Her aging parents need her, and the Cove is where she wants to raise her daughter. When her mother’s illness brings her and the big city doctor closer together, panic sets in. Her marriage taught her men don’t stay.
Can she put aside the heartaches of the past and trust Alex enough to accept the love he’s offering? Or will her fear of abandonment mean she’ll send him away forever?
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/More-Second-Chance-Lobster-Cove-ebook/dp/B00S46KSX6/
iBooks: https://books.apple.com/us/book/one-more-second-chance/id959306323
Gayle Irwin visits today and she's talking about how she combines her love of animals and her commitment to animal rescue with her writing. Her new novella, Rhiann's Rescue is a prequel to her Pet Rescue Romance series. She's also making us aware that November is Adopt-a-Senior-Pet Month. Thanks for the heads-up, Gayle!
Of Pets and Romance
November is Adopt-a-Senior-Pet Month, and I’m excited to share my pet rescue holiday romance novella, Rhiann’s Rescue, the prequel to my Pet Rescue Romance series. My heroine, freelance writer Rhiann Kelly, transports dogs for rescue organizations and cares for her elderly grandmother. They live in Spokane, Washington and spend winter months in Arizona. Rhiann dreams of starting her own animal rescue sanctuary. Readers will meet several animals including the grandmother’s beloved senior rescue cat, Poppy, in the story. My two cats are more than 15 years old; therefore, I wove in an older cat and released the book during Adopt-a-Senior-Pet Month. The story also introduces readers to a potential love interest for Rhiann – art gallery owner Elias Griffin, who learns about pet rescue and adoption from her. My passion for writing and for pet rescue and adoption is combined in this book as well as in my Pet Rescue Romance series, which currently consists of three books and one short story.
I’ve been a pet rescue and adoption advocate for decades My animals are adopted – the two cats and two dogs (a Shih Tzu and a Springer Spaniel); the Shih Tzu in my first novel within the series, Rescue Road, whose name is “Jax,” is based on my own rescued and adopted pup, Jeremiah. . Animals provide love and loyalty, and therefore, I think fit in nicely with a romance story.
I support pet rescues, including donating a percentage of book sales to different organizations. About 6.5 million dogs and cats enter animal shelters and rescues every year, according to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), and nearly 1.5 million still die in animal shelters. This is a primary reason I weave pet rescue and adoption into my romance books and donate to animal welfare groups.
Book Description for Rhiann’s Rescue:
Rhiann Kelly dreams of starting an animal rescue sanctuary, and her beloved grandmother desires to see her achieve that dream. However, they don't agree on when or where. Because of the older woman's health, Rhiann thinks it best they stay near large cities; Grams wants to return to Montana, where she was born and raised. During their annual winter trip to Arizona, the two women clash once again over relocating ... as well as about Rhiann's lack of desire to date and potentially end up with another broken heart. However, when art gallery owner and nature photographer Elias Griffin steps into her life, Rhiann reconsiders. Can she maintain her decision to not become romantically involved with someone again and keep her eyes fixed on helping animals and caring for her grandmother, or will she decide Elias is worth the risk of possible heartbreak?
Excerpt from Rhiann’s Rescue:
Smile on his face, the man asked, “So what do you do that makes you love your work?”
Rhiann closed the laptop. “I’m a writer.”
“Really? Awesome! I’m a nature photographer and art gallery owner.” He extended his hand. “Elias Griffin.”
She shook his hand. “Rhiann Kelly.”
“Rhiann? A unique, beautiful name.”
“Elias – that’s a name a person doesn’t often hear.”
“Technically, I’m Elias Griffin the third. However, since my father and grandfather have already passed on, I dropped the more formal version.”
“I’m sorry they’ve passed. So have mine.”
“And I’m sorry for your loss, Miss Kelly – or is it Mrs.?”
“You were right the first time,” Rhiann responded, maintaining her smile.
“Would you mind if I sit for a few moments, Miss Kelly?”
Rhiann shook her head and responded, “No, please. Have a seat.”
“Thank you.”
He chose the chair closest to her. Rhiann placed her laptop in a blue, green, and yellow tote bag and looked at her visitor. Dressed in a short-sleeved green polo shirt and khaki pants, the dark brown-haired man appeared more dressed for the golf course than the pool. She pondered his presence in this 55-and-older community. Being Grams’ caregiver allowed Rhiann to stay here.
“So, do you have family here, Mr. Griffin?” He gave her a quizzical look. “You don’t seem to fit the required age group.”
He smiled. “Neither do you, Miss Kelly.”
“I take care of my grandmother, so when we come here during the winter, I can stay with her.”
“My mother is giving snowbirding a try for the first time. She came down the first of the year. I have a home in Mesa with an art gallery in downtown Phoenix and one in Tucson. I visit Mother whenever I can.”
Buy Links:
Rhiann’s Rescue is available in e-book format for .99 cents on various platforms including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo. The holiday novella is also available in print format from Amazon.
Amazon: https://bit.ly/38tehAf_RhiannRescue
Other Platforms: https://books2read.com/u/3yzgYJ
Author Bio:
 |
| Gayle Irwin and Jeremiah |
Gayle M. Irwin is an award-winning author and freelance writer, being recognized by Wyoming Writers, Inc., and the Wyoming Press Association for several of her works. She is a contributor to seven Chicken Soup for the Soul books and the author of many inspirational pet books and stories for both children and adults. Her clean, contemporary romance series, Pet Rescue Romance, consists of Rescue Road, released November 2019, Finding Love at Compassion Ranch, released in May 2020, and a recently released holiday novella, Rhiann’s Rescue, the series’ prequel. A short story, Gram’s Legacy, is available as a free e-book on various book-selling platforms, such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble. She subtly weaves important life lessons within the lines and pages of her stories, including the importance of pet rescue and adoption. An animal advocate, Gayle volunteers for various dog rescue and humane society organizations and donates a percentage of all book sales to such groups. Gayle resides in Wyoming with her husband and their adopted animals. Learn more about the author, her writing endeavors, and her pets, and receive free stories and resources by visiting her website: www.gaylemirwinauthor.com.
Follow Gayle on Social:
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/GayleMIrwin
Pinterest (under Waggin' Tales): www.pinterest.com/gaylemirwin
Twitter: wyoauthor1
Author Website: https://gaylemirwinauthor.com/
Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/gayleirwin
Like words, gifts are a limited means of expression, and can’t always convey what you want to say. And even if they could, there’s no guarantee that the receiver will understand. Everyone’s experiences are different, and what may mean something wonderful to a group of people may still offend an individual. Yet both perspectives remain completely valid.
Gift giving isn’t my primary love language, so I was curious about exploring it in my new novella, “The Guy From The Internet”. Being far away from the heroine Holly, love interest Florian needed more than just words to convey his birthday wishes for her. It took several revisions of this manuscript before I figured out what gift he would choose to represent their friendship and his intentions.
And, of course, because this is a romance story, his gift was received perfectly.
Real life, of course, is often less clear. Sometimes I turn to philosophical wisdom to help me decide what to get someone. But as nice as the thought of giving premium rubber bands and olive oil seems to me, I just don’t think it’ll be everybody’s cup of tea.
What do you reckon makes a good gift? How do you decide what to buy someone — say, someone close to you versus someone you barely know (hello, office Secret Santa)? What’s the best gift you’ve ever given? What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?
A sweet romance with a touch of family drama.
Holly Chee does not have her life together. She's flip-flopped on uni courses and career choices, and somehow scared off her long-term fiancée-to-be, much to the chagrin of her immigrant parents.
But she does have her streaming channel, where she broadcasts her art from her one-bedroom Mount Lawley apartment. And she has that guy from France... assuming he's even who he says he is.
"The Guy From The Internet" is a sweet #OwnVoices Asian-Australian romance novella, set in the world of Somerville Downs.
Release date: 2 Nov 2020
Genre: Sweet romance, contemporary romance, Australian romance
Excerpt:
You know how something can happen, and suddenly all the crap you were dealing with—no matter how important it felt at the time—just vanishes into thin air? My day was reborn, thanks to this drab padded envelope, with its a French postmark and a Paris return address.
It’s hard to concentrate on drawing when that parcel is sitting right there, staring at me while I try to look directly into the webcam. Pretty sure the undo combo on my keyboard is starting to fade.
But I can’t open it yet. I want to wait for Rin to get home, to get online, then open it with him.
Is that weird? Am I obsessive? Friends do that kind of thing too, don’t they? Even when they’re all grown up… or supposed to be? Rin’s still not on. It’s later than usual for this time of the week. Not that I’ve memorised his schedule or anything.
As we get closer to midnight, I end the broadcast and decide I’ve been tragic for long enough. I pick up the envelope and give it a proper shake. Something rattles inside.
Waiting any longer would be weird now. It would totally send the wrong signal. Like I don’t care. Or that I care too much.
I’m definitely overthinking this.
I grab the rip tab and pull it open. As soon as it detaches from the packaging, a message pops up on my screen.
About Birdie Song:
BAKED WITH LOVE ( A Match Made in Heaven, book 3)
Release date 12.9.2020
The Wild Rose Press
Innkeeper Maureen O'Dowd lives to cook and bake, spoils her family and friends, and is an expert at keeping secrets, especially about the man who's held her heart for years.
Police Chief Lucas Alexander is dealing with an aging father and a moody teenage son, and he's in love with a woman who only wants to be friends.
How can these two fiercely private people reveal their feelings for one another without destroying the friendship they already have? And if they're successful, will another secret, if revealed, drive a wedge between Maureen and Lucas that can never be repaired?
Buy link:
Amazon Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08M25TQV9
Author Glenda Thompson joins me for the cover reveal of her upcoming book BROKEN TOYS. The book releases on December 16, 2020 and is now available for pre-order. Enjoy!
Blurb:
His life is perfect. Too bad it’s built on a lie
Texas Ranger Noah Morgan has his life together—with a great job and the girl of his dreams. Too bad it's all based on a lie. A single phone call threatens to bring it all crashing down. After an irate citizen complains shoddy workmanship has left him with a booby-trapped driveway, and the local sheriff's office is too busy to respond, Noah takes the call. The investigation of local scam artists uncovers a human trafficking ring, Noah fights to avoid being swept back into the sights of his murderous family—people he escaped at the age of seventeen.
Can he keep his past a secret or will his carefully crafted life come to a violent end?
Excerpt:
“While we wait for the mobile crime scene lab to arrive from Austin, I need you to sign this consent-to-search form. Next, Ranger Trammell and I will photograph the scene to preserve it in situ—as it currently is.”
“Now you wait one cotton-picking minute,” the old man growled. “How long will all that take? What if I don’t want to sign your verdammt form? I need my car. The old lady has several doctors’ appointments in San Antonio this afternoon.”
Noah lifted his hat again and brushed sweat off his forehead before it rolled into his eyes. “Tell you what. Sign this piece of paper giving us permission to search your driveway, and as soon as we finish the photography, Ranger Trammell and I will change your tire. Then you can pull your car out of the driveway. If you don’t sign it, we will have to find a judge and get a warrant. Going the warrant route will delay things considerably.” Noah shrugged. “The choice is yours. Either way it goes, you won’t be able to pull back in for some time. We’re going to have to tape off your driveway and process it as a crime scene. Is there somewhere you could stay for a few days?”
“Crime scene?” Mr. Schmidt crumpled as if he’d been kicked in the solar plexus. Bewilderment flooded his features. For the first time since the rangers arrived, the man looked old. “My driveway is a crime scene?”
“I’m afraid so, sir,” Noah said, using the tone he reserved for scared kids, grieving family members and sagging old men who hadn’t tasted sweet tea in more than sixty years. “Hip implants, bits of bone and teeth are not normally used for road base. It looks like someone may have disposed of a body in your driveway.”
Pre-order link:
Amazon: https://amzn.to/35I46EX
Bio:
A sixth-generation Texan with Scottish roots, Glenda Thompson can 'bless your heart' with the best of them. As a former emergency medical technician married to a south Texas Lawman, she's used insider information from both their careers as inspiration to build her Broken world of Texas Rangers with hidden pasts and dark secrets.
When she's not busy embarrassing her children or grandchildren by dancing in the middle of a country road during a rainstorm, she can be found huddled in her writing cave with her law enforcement technical adviser/husband working on another story in her Broken universe.
You can keep up with the future crazy cat lady's hi-jinks at www.glendathompson.com or follow her on Twitter @PressRattler or Facebook @Glenda Thompson, Author.
Social Media Links
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorglendathompson
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PressRattler
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glendathompsonauthor/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Glenda-Thompson/e/B08L9NQ5V7
Website: http://glendathompson.com
