Getting Caught Up...with Terri Rochenski!!!

I'm super duper excited because one of my most favorite authors and people in the world is here today, celebrating the release of her latest book, Love's Revenge! Welcome Terri Rochenski to Tattered Pages! And, even better...her book is on SALE until February 6th!!!

Click the banner for the sale!





Getting Caught Up…

I love doing research with a passion. In fact, I’ll bury myself into books, the internet, and notebooks full of scribbled notes that I put off writing the actual story. Strange, I know. BUT, the importance of getting your facts right makes the difference between believability and losing a fan for life. Even in a fantasy setting, an author needs for their world to make sense—in every detail.

 

For me, there’s nothing better than immersing myself into a story so real—so spot on!!!—that I forget it’s midnight and in six hours I’ll have 3 little kids clamoring for my attention.

 

Stories like Ms. Nuest’s The  Golden Key Chronicles and The Golden Key Legacy. Accurate. Believable. It’s easy to get caught up!!

 

Sure, I regret my stupid decision to stay up so late, but the lingering sights, scents, and secrets revealed in tales such as hers makes the purple smudges beneath the eyes SO worth it.

 

Forgive my rambling. What I mean to say is simply this…do your homework. Your readers will love you for it!

Title:  Love’s Revenge (Means of Mercy #2)

Author:  Terri Rochenski

Publisher:  Roane Publishing

Release Date:  January 26, 2015

Keywords:  Sweet, Historical Romance, Series

Embittered by betrayal, Anne MacKay flees London for America, where she learns she's pregnant with her abusive husband’s longed-for heir. In a society that doesn’t protect, or afford a well-to-do wife’s desire for divorce, Anne decides there is one way to exact revenge: deny the father any knowledge of his child.

With the help of her loyal and protective business partner, Jude Connagher, and the ranch hands in their Montana Territory valley, Anne attempts to rebuild her life under the shadow of her husband’s wrath.

One unwise decision lands Anne in her pursuers’ clutches, tearing her from the ranch, her child, and her growing love for the one man who could redeem her from bitterness. She's left with no choice but to finally face her husband, knowing her freedom and life hang in the balance.

 

Sought after by her husband’s henchmen, Anne travels by rail and horseback, far from civilization where silk and stays are worn, let alone thought of. Lies and deceit protect her identity for a time, allowing her to birth—and grow to love—the child who was supposed to be her vengeance.

Print

Roane Publishing / Createspace / Amazon / Barnes & Noble

Digital (eBook)
Amazon / Amazon (UK) / Barnes and Noble / Smashwords

 

 

Terri started writing stories in the 8^th grade, when a little gnome whispered in her brain. Gundi’s Great Adventure never hit the best seller list, but it started a long love affair with storytelling.

Today she enjoys an escape to Middle Earth during the rare ‘me’ moments her three young children allow. When not playing toys, picking them back up, or kissing boo-boos, she can be found sprawled on the couch with a book or pencil in hand, and toothpicks propping her eyelids open.

 

Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Look for Love’s Sorrow on Goodreads!!

 

 

Want to find out more about the Love's Revenge Blog Tour?

Click the banner below!!!

 

And don't forget to enter the GIVEAWAY!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happy Book Birthday to Love's Revenge!

Happy Book Birthday to 

Love's Revenge!

Love's Revenge

Means of Mercy #2

Sweet, Historical Romance

By: Terri Rochenski

Publisher: Roane Publishing

Release Date: January 26, 2015

Embittered by betrayal, Anne MacKay flees London for America, where she learns she's pregnant with her abusive husband’s longed-for heir. In a society that doesn’t protect, or afford a well-to-do wife’s desire for divorce, Anne decides there is one way to exact revenge: deny the father any knowledge of his child.

Sought after by her husband’s henchmen, Anne travels by rail and horseback, far from civilization where silk and stays are worn, let alone thought of. Lies and deceit protect her identity for a time, allowing her to birth—and grow to love—the child who was supposed to be her vengeance.

With the help of her loyal and protective business partner, Jude Connagher, and the ranch hands in their Montana Territory valley, Anne attempts to rebuild her life under the shadow of her husband’s wrath.

One unwise decision lands Anne in her pursuers’ clutches, tearing her from the ranch, her child, and her growing love for the one man who could redeem her from bitterness. She's left with no choice but to finally face her husband, knowing her freedom and life hang in the balance.

Visit Roane Publishing's FREE READS page to download the first chapter of Love's Revenge!

 

Purchase Links:

Roane Publishing

Createspace
Amazon
Amazon (UK)
Smashwords

Love's Sorrow, Means of Mercy #1, ecopies are on sale at Roane Publishing for only $0.99!! 

AND print copies are only $8.40, a 40% savings!

Click on the image above for purchasing details.

~~~oOo~~~

Terri started writing stories in the 8th grade, when a little gnome whispered in her brain. Gundi’s Great Adventure never hit the best seller list, but it started a long love affair with storytelling.

Today she enjoys an escape to Middle Earth during the rare ‘me’ moments her three young children allow. When not playing toys, picking them back up, or kissing boo-boos, she can be found sprawled on the couch with a book or pencil in hand, and toothpicks propping her eyelids open.
 

Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Tour Schedule

~~~oOo~~~
 

Join Terri Rochenski and 10 author guests for the Release Day Party on Facebook today from 9 am EST to 9 pm EST! Tons of prizes, snippets, and fun! Click on the image below for more information.

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Love's Revenge

by Terri Rochenski

Giveaway ends February 06, 2015. See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter to win

~~~oOo~~~

Book Blitz and Tour-Wide Giveaway

Signed copies of Love's Sorrow and Love's Revenge, 

and a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code.  No purchase necessary, but you must be 18 or older to enter. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter, and announced on the widget. Winner well be notified by emailed and have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. The number of entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Roane Publishing's marketing department.

Rachel Brimble and What A Woman Desires!

I am thrilled to be hosting the fabulous Rachel Brimble at Tattered Pages today, who speaks to us about what goes into researching her wonderful historical romances! Take it away, Rachel!

 

Historical research…how much? How little?

I often get asked how much research goes into my Victorian romances and I find this really difficult to answer. As I write romance rather than historical fiction, I focus on the central relationship more than anything––which basically means the emotion. To my mind, the emotions of people during the 1800s would have been more or less the same as today…even if their problems and concerns were entirely different.

My research begins once I have decided on the theme of my book – for What A Woman Desires, my latest Victorian romance, the central theme is “Home is where the heart is”. So what did this mean as far as research is concerned? Well, first and foremost, I had to know how homes were run in the late 19^th century. A home of the poor as well as the wealthy, because I had already decided my heroine was from a middle-upper class family and my hero from a lower class.

Obviously we are all lucky enough to have access to the World Wide Web nowadays, but I still think it is imperative to read as well as visit places as much as possible. I read plenty of Victorian non-fiction while writing this book as well as visiting No 1 Royal Crescent in Bath (although this is set to the Georgian era, it gave me a nice sense of place), the Bath Fashion Museum and the Theatre Royal. My favorite Victorian research book this time around (and the most helpful) was The Victorian House by Judith Flanders.

For my next Victorian book (and current work in progress), I am researching children’s boarding houses during the late 1800s as my heroine will end up working at one in bid to add something fundamentally important to a life she views as mundane and without purpose. I have cried over some of the stories I have read and hope I manage to capture the heroine’s passion and care for children as well as her love for the hero.

I spent a lot of time talking to the Bath Record Office and read books on the boarding houses as well as the Workhouse in the city. The problem with research is often knowing when to stop! If you enjoy history, the temptation to keep researching rather than getting on with the writing is hard to resist.

Through my reading and visiting, I have become more and more interested in delving backwards as well as forwards in time from the Victorian era. I wouldn’t be surprised if I write a Georgian and Edwardian series in the future. Watch this space!

~ * ~

From country girl to actress of the stage, one woman dares to live her dreams—but is she brave enough to open her heart…?

Monica Danes always wanted more than the village of Biddestone had to offer. After a failed courtship to a man of her parents’ choosing, she fled for the city of Bath and never looked back. Today, Monica is the undisputed queen of the theater—a wealthy, independent woman. But when she is called home in the wake of tragedy, Monica returns—intending to leave again as soon as possible.

Thomas Ashby has been a groom at the Danes estate since he was a boy—and has been enamored with Monica for almost as long. He knows he isn’t a suitable match for his master’s daughter, despite the special bond he and Monica have always shared—and their undeniable attraction. But now that she’s returned, Thomas has one last chance to prove himself worthy—and to show Monica a life, and a love, she won’t want to give up...

Amazon US / Amazon UK / Barnes & Noble

Rachel lives with her husband and two teenage daughters in a small town near Bath in the UK. After having several novels published by small US presses, she secured agent representation in 2011. In 2012, she sold two books to Harlequin Superromance and a further three in 2013. She also writes Victorian romance for Kensington--her debut was released in April 2013, followed by a second in January 2014 and the third is released Jan 2015.

Rachel is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association and Romance Writers of America, and was selected to mentor the Superromance finalist of So You Think You Can Write 2014 contest. When she isn’t writing, you’ll find Rachel with her head in a book or walking the beautiful English countryside with her family and beloved black Lab, Max. Her dream place to live is Bourton-on-the-Water in South West England.

She likes nothing more than connecting and chatting with her readers and fellow romance writers. Rachel would love to hear from you!

Here's where you can find Rachel on the web!

Website

Blog

Twitter

Facebook

Facebook Street Team - Rachel's Readers

Rachel Brimble Visits Tattered Pages!

I'm thrilled beyond the stratosphere to be hosting Rachel Brimble today, who brings with her a sneak peek inside TWO of her latest historical romances! Read on and enjoy! Whoot!

Seduction is a wicked game, and no one plays it better than the devilish Will Samson in Rachel Brimble's captivating new novel.

Since girlhood, Emily Darson has accepted that she will marry Nicholas, the son of her father's trusted business partner. The marriage contract safeguards her family legacy, Emily's fortune, and everything she values--except her independence. Only when a sinfully handsome scoundrel enters her life does Emily realize quite how much a loveless match will cost her.

Will Samson has advanced from expert pickpocket to confidence trickster of the highest caliber. Now he has come to Bath to exact vengeance on the man who destroyed his mother--the man Emily will soon marry. But from his first glimpse of the enemy's bewitching, spirited fiancée, Will's plan changes.

Amid the ballrooms and salons of elegant society, heated glances explode into scandalous kisses. Revenge is sweet, but surrender will be irresistible. . .

Amazon US

Barnes & Noble

Amazon UK

Laura Robinson has always been dazzled by the glamour of the stage. But perhaps acting and selling one’s favors are not so different—for Laura must feign pleasure with the men she beds to survive. Now, with her only friend at death’s door and a ruthless pimp at her heels, escaping her occupation seems impossible. Hoping to attract a gentleman, she attends the theater. Yet the man Laura captivates is no customer, but a rising star and playwright…

Adam Lacey has been driven to distraction since the moment he saw Laura. She is his ideal leading lady come to irresistible life—and so much more. Certain they can make the perfect team on and off stage, he is determined to win her heart—and discover her story. But that is precisely what Laura fears. And she has no idea that Adam harbors shameful secrets of his own. Will the truth free them to love—or destroy all their dreams…?

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Barnes & Noble

About the Author:

Rachel lives with her husband and two young daughters in a small town near Bath in the UK.  After having several novels published by small US presses, she secured agent representation in 2011. In 2012, she sold two books to Harlequin Superromance and a further three in 2013. She also writes Victorian romance for Kensington--her debut was released in April 2013 and she has since signed for three more.

Rachel is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association and Romance Writers of America. When she isn’t writing, you’ll find Rachel with her head in a book or walking the beautiful English countryside with her family and beloved black Lab, Max. Her dream place to live is Bourton-on-the-Water in South West England.

She likes nothing more than connecting and chatting with her readers and fellow romance writers. Rachel would love to hear from you!

Find her on the Web at:

Website
Blog
Twitter
Facebook

Flan--elling About...Or a Bit of Cheesecake?

I'm absolutely thrilled to be hosting Nancy Jardine today at Tattered Pages with her latest release! Please help me welcome her by leaving a comment, and YOU could WIN an ecopy of your choice of books! Take it away, Nancy!

Hello, AJ I’m so pleased you opened your blog to me today as I whizz around on my mini launch tour for After Whorl: Donning Double Cloaks (Crooked Cat Publishing), Book 3 of my Celtic Fervour Series of Historical Romantic Adventures, which launches tomorrow, the 25^th of March, 2014. 

While doing my researches I’ve come across some information that wasn’t exactly relevant to my current writing but it made me laugh…though not quite drool. I did drool over a nice picture of a Roman soldier (sorry no permission to post here L) but didn’t drool over what he might have eaten.  Fine details about Roman cooking haven’t graced my pages, but it was just a little bit fascinating to read about Roman puddings. I’m a cake fan - I have to admit it - and find it an amazing thought that ancient civilizations had as many bad eating habits as I sometimes do. I have my favourite cakes, some very rich and exotically different like the ‘Red Wine Cake’ my daughter produced at Christmas. Delicious. I also like very traditional fruit cakes, and I have a fantastic recipe for a New York Cheesecake. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Baked_lemon_cheesecake_with_spiced_kumquats.jpg

You can imagine how delighted I was to find a recipe for an ancient Roman Cheesecake. I don’t know if Gaius Livanus Valerius, the Roman tribune in Book 3 of my Celtic Fervour Series, would have eaten any Roman Cheesecake while he was stationed at the garrisons in Britannia but the likelihood is – yes, if the ingredients were to hand. The officer class of the Roman Army, it seems from research, were prone to dragging around their own cook who would produce their food if they were not eating in the ‘mess’ area. If a tribune like my Gaius had his own cook then there were advantages. The risk of someone doctoring the food was less likely if he had his own cook and servants, all people who were answerable to him and scared to fall foul of his pugio or gladius! Particular dietary requirements were also maybe easier to order from one’s own cook.

Like a big fat cheesecake! 

In Latin, Libum means cake and is often associated with honey- as written by Cato and other ancient writers. It was sometimes a sacrificial cake which was offered to the household gods during the early Roman eras. It could also be a simple farmhouse cake served hot, but the one I thought might be interesting to try was a honey cake that was served at the very end of an elaborate Roman dinner...
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Libum_Sweet_Cheesecake_ingredients_%26_recipe_%288411812870%29.jpg?uselang=en-gb

Cato, a Roman Consul whose agricultural writings became almost like household manuals, included simple Libum recipes for farmers. Sometimes served hot, this is the Ancient Libum cheesecake he included.  “Libum to be made as follows: 2 pounds cheese well crushed in a mortar; when it is well crushed, add in 1 pound bread/wheat flour or, if you want it to be lighter, just 1/2 a pound, to be mixed with the cheese. Add one egg and mix all together well. Make a loaf of this, with the leaves under it, and cook slowly in a hot fire under a brick.” Beware: If not using honey at a final stage the cheese used can be of a more mature variety and quite salty. However, soaking the baked ‘cakes’ in honey, having used a salty cheese isn’t very palatable and isn’t recommended! Instead, use a soft unsalted cheese.

Nowadays if you’re all out of leaves, a brick and a hot fire, you could try this more modern version: Modern Roman Libum Recipe (serves 4)
1 cup plain, all purpose flour
8 ounces ricotta cheese
1 egg, beaten
bay leaves
1/2 cup clear honey

Sift the flour into a bowl. Beat the cheese until it's soft and stir it into the flour along with the beaten egg. Form a soft dough then divide it into 4. Mold each one into a bun and place them on a greased baking tray with a fresh bay leaf underneath. Heat the oven to 425° F. Cover the cakes with your brick^* and bake for 35-40 minutes until golden-brown. Warm the honey and place the warm cakes in it so that they absorb it. Allow to stand 30 minutes before serving.

The Romans often covered their food while it was cooking with a domed earthenware cover called a testo. You can use an overturned, shallow clay pot, a metal bowl, or casserole dish as a brick. ( http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/ancient/roman-recipes.html)



http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Libum_Four_Sweet_Cheesecake_buns_ready_to_be_eaten_and_a_bottle_of_white_wine_from_the_Limes_Germanicus_%288412100016%29.jpg?uselang=en-gb

So what do you think, everyone? Does this make you want to have a go and bake some Libum? Have a Roman feast?  I’m thinking of inviting my guests to do exactly that tomorrow at my Facebook Launch Party 25^th March. And ….I might even be making some Roman…flan!
Pop in and join me here on FACEBOOK

*****Today’s GIVEAWAY! *****

Leave me a comment, please, and tell me if you like the sound of my Roman Cheesecake and you could be the random winner of a back copy of Book 1, or Book 2, or even Book 3 of my Celtic Fervour Series! Winner chooses which.

Thanks for having me over today, AJ - it’s brilliant to visit you again.

After Whorl: Donning Double Cloaks is available from Amazon

 

Nancy Jardine’s novels can be found in paperback and ebook formats from:  Amazon UK author page    Amazon US author page  Crooked Cat Bookstore; Waterstones; Barnes & Noble; Smashwords; W. H. Smith; and other book retailers.

Nancy can be found at the following places:   Blog    Website   Facebook  Goodreads   About Me   LinkedIn   Twitter @nansjar  Google+ 

Nancy’s writing time is shared with regular grandchild minding duties, tending her large garden, ancestry research and leisure reading. She’s currently writing a family saga based mainly in Scotland, and Book 4 of her Celtic Fervour series. She’s delighted to be able to share that Topaz Eyes (Crooked Cat Publishing) an ancestral-based mystery, is a finalist for THE PEOPLE’S BOOK PRIZE Fiction 2014. After Whorl: Bran Reborn - Book 2 of her Celtic Fervour Series (Crooked Cat Publishing) has been accepted for THE WALTER SCOTT PRIZE FOR HISTORICAL FICTION 2014- the most prestigious prize for historical fiction in the UK.

Blurb:

Pursued by Rome.
AD73 Northern Britannia

After King Venutius’ defeat, Brennus of Garrigill – known as Bran – maintains a spy network monitoring Roman activity in Brigantia. Relative peace reigns till AD 78 when Roman Governor Agricola marches his legions to the far north. Brennus is always one step ahead of the Roman Army as he seeks the Caledon Celt who will lead all tribes in battle against Rome.

Ineda of Marske treks northwards with her master, Tribune Valerius, who is responsible for supplying Agricola’s northern campaigns. At Inchtuthil Roman Fort Ineda flees seeking fellow Brigantes congregating on the foothills of Beinn na Ciche.

Will the battle against the Romans bring Ineda and Brennus together again?

 

Thanks for visiting with me today, Nancy! And thanks to all our lovely commenters!

OX AJ XO

The Inspiration behind...The Temptation of Laura by Rachel Brimble!

I'm thrilled beyond thrilled to have my friend and fellow writing pal, Rachel Brimble here today with her latest release, The Temptation of Laura! I was one of the first folks to see this story, and I have to tell you, it's wonderful! Join us for a quick look inside Rachel's inspiration behind this Victorian romance from eKensington! Whoot!

Laura Robinson has always been dazzled by the glamour of the stage. But perhaps acting and selling one’s favors are not so different—for Laura must feign pleasure with the men she beds to survive. Now, with her only friend at death’s door and a ruthless pimp at her heels, escaping her occupation seems impossible. Hoping to attract a gentleman, she attends the theater. Yet the man Laura captivates is no customer, but a rising star and playwright…

Adam Lacey has been driven to distraction since the moment he saw Laura. She is his ideal leading lady come to irresistible life—and so much more. Certain they can make the perfect team on and off stage, he is determined to win her heart—and discover her story. But that is precisely what Laura fears. And she has no idea that Adam harbors shameful secrets of his own. Will the truth free them to love—or destroy all their dreams…?

Amazon US / Amazon UK / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

 

One of the most frequently questions asked of authors is, “Where do you get your ideas?” The simple answer is everywhere, but that rarely satisfies the curious reader or aspiring author…but it’s the truth.

Ideas can come from newspapers, TV shows, snippets of conversation, the author’s life experiences, their friends and family’s experiences, moral issues, books and films. The list goes on.

The inspiration for The Temptation of Laura was already established before I started writing the novel. Laura is a secondary character in the debut book of my Victorian romance series with eKensington, The Seduction of Emily. In this book, Laura is a prostitute who the hero goes to for help in the hope of imprisoning the villain. The more Laura appeared in the book, the more I learned and liked about her. I wanted to tell her story…luckily my editor suggested it first!

My Victorian books are set in and around Bath so I started thinking about famous buildings in Bath that I could use in my next book. I eventually decided on the Theatre Royal. How could I use Laura’s prostitution and the theatre?

I started trawling the Internet for accounts of famous prostitutes turned actresses – that was when inspiration struck in the form of Nell Gwynn. Nell’s story fascinated me. A prostitute, turned actress, turned mistress of Charles II who bore him two children. What a story!

I read a couple of biographies on Nell’s life and then the novel, The Darling Strumpet by Gillian Bagwell, which I absolutely loved. Roll forward another 200 years and Laura Robinson, prostitute turned actress, was alive and very real in my imagination.

The Temptation of Laura was a joy to write and covers poverty, hope, loss, joy, success and ultimately, true love. I hope readers enjoy Laura and Adam’s journey as much as I did writing it. Once I’d finished, another secondary character pushed her way to the front of the queue and I am writing her story as we speak. EKensington have contracted this book and another so long may inspiration strike!

I’d love to hear how non-fiction and fiction based on real-life people inspires or interests your visitors.

~ * ~

 

Rachel lives with her husband and two young daughters in a small town near Bath in the UK.  After having several novels published by small US presses, she secured agent representation in 2011. In 2012, she sold two books to Harlequin Superromance and a further three in 2013. She also writes Victorian romance for Kensington--her debut was released in April 2013 and she has since signed for three more.

Rachel is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association and Romance Writers of America. When she isn’t writing, you’ll find Rachel with her head in a book or walking the beautiful English countryside with her family and beloved black Lab, Max. Her dream place to live is Bourton-on-the-Water in South West England.

She likes nothing more than connecting and chatting with her readers and fellow romance writers. Rachel would love to hear from you!

Website / Blog / Twitter / Facebook

THANKS FOR VISITING WITH US TODAY!

XO AJ XO

It's Release Day and HOME is HERE!

YEE HAW! I am THRILLED beyond words to be a part of Calisa Rhose's blog tour for her release of HOME, and even happier still that I am lucky enough to have her on RELEASE DAY! (Psst...it's also her 27th birthday, so double congrats are in order...) Calisa is also hosting a give away, so don't forget to leave us a comment to be entered into the draw for a FREE e-copy of HOME! Without further ado, I give you my very dear friend and talented writer, Calisa Rhose!

Wow! I am SO, so excited to be back at Tattered Pages to celebrate the long awaited release of my own book! Thank you my lovely AJ, for having me here on this historical day! (Get it? HOME is a historical?)

I’m at two places today to celebrate the actual release of my first book!!! Leave a comment here and then hop over to Vintage Vonnie’s and comment there for another chance to win your copy of HOME! On all the blogs I guest on this week I’m counting down to the BIG party so I can announce the first winner!

So let’s get on with this countdown!!!!

DAY FOUR!!!

BLURB:

What could a gypsy and a Vietnam veteran have in common?

Silvertown’s outcast, Poppy Tippen, has loved football hero Sam “The Force” Callahan forever. But he never seemed to know she was alive. Now he’s home from the war and she suddenly finds herself comforting him from the demons of “that damn war.” Is his attention merely an escape from the haunting nightmares? Or does she hold the interest of the only man she’s ever truly loved?

Sam Callahan’s only solace from the war nightmares wrecking his life comes in the unlikely form of a gypsy girl with stigmas of her own. He’s known Poppy his entire life, but there’s something different about her now. Something special he desperately wants to hold on to. Can he convince her she’s the only thing he needs to put the past behind him?

EXCERPT:

“I’ll always want you, Poppy.”

Her head shook in automatic denial. “You’ll want a girl who fits your life. Not some gypsy with no family lineage to brag about. Your momma won’t accept that, either. She’ll make you choose someone like Connie, someone who fits into your world. Not the girl everyone avoids and whispers about behind her back. You’re gonna be the town’s doctor. You need an uppity wife who will make you proud.”

When Sam laughed, his chest shuddered against her back. Deep, husky, real. He turned her in his arms and looked down at her, smiling. “Poppy, do you honestly think I give a damn what people think? Look at me! I’m the town outcast, the survivor who should have died saving the others, not be here planning a future that includes a wife, a medical practice.

“I shimmy under park benches, run from my mother’s lipstick, for God’s sake. I wake up screaming and crying over nothing in the middle of the night, crawl under my bed and hide, shaking, until morning. Hell, I can’t even be a doctor because I haven’t finished school yet.”

“I didn’t know. It must be awful for you.” No matter how it hurt Poppy to know he used her, it felt much worse to know how he hurt alone. “The only time it isn’t awful is when I’m with you. When I think of you.”

*************************************************

Get your copy of HOME TODAY at The Wild Rose Press.

Find Calisa at her website/blog http://calisarhose.wordpress.com

On twitter @Calisa_Rhose and Facebook @Calisa Rhose

She loves to hear from readers so drop her a line at calisa.rhose@gmail.com

The day following the New Years Day party, on my blog, I will be giving away the first copy of HOME to one lucky commenter! The more you comment this week, the greater your chance to win!

To be entered for one more chance, tell me what “HOME” means to you in a comment.

Don’t forget to leave your EMAIL ADDRESS in all your comments this week! Be sure to come to my BIG SALE PARTY on my blog on January 1, 2012!

You can find the full tour schedule on my website at the link above.

Thank you so much for being my guest, Calisa! All the best to you on your release and I'm lifting my glass in honor of your first release!