A Billionaire After Dark {+ Giveaway}

Today is a special day for author Katie Lane as it’s the launch day of her newest release, A BILLIONAIRE AFTER DARK, the second installment in her Overnight Billionaires series.

I’m delighted to be participating in Katie’s A BILLIONAIRE AFTER DARK launch day blitz. As part of the blitz, Katie is sharing an excerpt from the book and a tour-wide giveaway for five (5) copies of A BILLIONAIRE AFTER DARK. I’ll also be sharing my thoughts on this intriguing book. Please see the end of the post for more details on the giveaway. First, here’s a synopsis of the book.

With endless wealth comes irresistible temptation . . .

It's an undisputed fact that Nash Beaumont is the hottest of the Beaumont brothers. His slow, sensual smile charms every French Kiss employee-and tempts every woman to buy the company's lingerie. But beneath Nash's raw charisma is a dark, kinky side that he struggles to control . . . a side that may be exposed by one lovely-and unexpectedly adventurous woman.

Reporter Eden Huckabee needs a story. And when she discovers Nash's dirty little secret, she thinks she's found it. But Eden doesn't count on Nash turning the tables on her-or that she will fall so deeply for this unbelievably sexy, one-in-a-billion Beaumont.

 A BILLIONAIRE AFTER DARK is available at the following sites: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iBooks, Kobo, and Google Play.

Now an excerpt from this delightful book for your reading pleasure.

Excerpt:

     “How did you become an escort?” 
     There was a slight hesitation before she answered. “My friend got me into it.” 
     “Some friend.” 
     Another pause. “Actually, she is a pretty good friend. She’s one of those people who sees the glass as always being full—like to the brim.” 
      “And you’re not?” 
      “I wouldn’t say that. I see the glass as half-full, and it’s my job to get the water to the top.” 
      He laughed. “You sound like my oldest brother. He views everything as his job.” 
      She joined in with his laughter. It was a hearty laugh, almost too loud for a woman. But he liked it. He liked its sincerity and lack of inhibition. “You figured me out,” she said. “I am the oldest. I have two younger brothers. Both pains in the butt.” 
      “I think that’s the job of younger brothers.” 
      “Is your younger brother a pain?” 
      The smile wilted on his face. “I didn’t say I had a younger brother.” 
      “Oh,” she said. “I guess I just assumed you had another brother when you were talking about your oldest brother.” 
      The tension left his shoulders. But the scare was a strong reminder that he had no business sharing information with the woman. “No more talking,” he said. “Take off your dress.” 
      “In the dark? But how will you see?” 
      He got up from the chair. “I’ll use my imagination.” 
      There was a long pause, and he wondered if she would leave. Physical force played no part in the equation, but he couldn’t help getting up and positioning himself between her and the door. There was a whisper of material. 
      “It’s off,” she said. 
      It was strange, but having the lights off seemed to make everything more intense. He could hear her breathing. Smell her sweet, earthy scent. And visualize exactly what she looked like in nothing but her bra and boy shorts. His penis came to full attention once again, and he found it hard to speak around the desire that clogged his throat. 
      “Now your bra.” He moved closer to the bed. “Hand it to me.” Something soft brushed his bare stomach, and he reached for it, his fingers curling around the bra. After a year at French Kiss, he knew his bras. It was slightly padded, and the material wasn’t top-grade. As for the size, he would guess 34B. He lifted the cup to his nose, and her herbal scent filled his nostrils. 
      “Now the panties,” he said, his voice muffled in the cotton. This time, she took longer. So long that he moved a step closer, his leg brushing the mattress. 
      “Promise you won’t turn on the light? Not that I’m deformed or anything. I just don’t exactly have a perfect body.” She was talking with her hands again. He could feel the shift of air. 
      “From here, it looks pretty perfect to me.” 
      Another pause before a whisper of material and her hand brushed a line of fire across the ridged fly of his jeans. He drew in a sharp breath and tried to calm the heat that ate its way through him as she apologized in a husky voice. 
      “I’m sorry. I didn’t realize that you were . . . so close.” 
      Oh, he was close, all right. It would only take one stroke from her fist for him to shoot the moon. He gritted his teeth. “Lie down.” 
      “I’m not having sex with—” 
      “No, dammit! We are not having sex!” He didn’t know if he was yelling at her or himself. Thinking he had frightened her, he started to apologize when she came right back at him. 
      “Well, how the heck do I know that? I’m naked!” He could feel the shift of air as her hands waved. “You’re obviously naked. And sex is usually what happens when two people are alone in a bedroom naked.” 
      He released a frustrated sigh. “Granted. But it’s not going to happen with us.” 
      “Why?” 
      He could’ve lied, but concealed by darkness, he chose not to. “Because then I wouldn’t be a fucked-up pervert. I’d just be a loser who has to pay for sex. Now please lie down.” 
      “Fine.” 
      The thump of butt to mattress made his anger leave, but none of his desire. Especially when he heard the wisp of skin against the satin of the duvet. He could picture her now. Awkwardly stretched out on the bed like she had been the other night. But now she was naked. Completely naked. And all his. 
      He should’ve return to the chair. He was too close. But maybe this would be the final test. If he could resist when a naked woman was only inches away, it would prove that he had control over his body. 
      And hers. 
      “Scoot over,” he said. “I’m not going to touch you. I’m just going to lie next to you.” He waited to hear her shifting before he lowered himself to the bed. The satin still held her heat. But rather than further ignite him, it calmed him enough that he was able to roll to his side and face her. 
      “Now I want you to close your eyes and touch yourself. And everywhere you touch, I want you to tell me what you feel . . . everything that you feel.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Author Katie Lane

Katie Lane is the USA Today bestselling author of the Deep in the Heart of Texas and Hunk for the Holiday series.  

Katie lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and when she isn't writing, enjoys reading, going to the gym, golfing, traveling, or just snuggling next to her high school sweetheart and cairn terrier Roo.

For more on Katie and her writing, visit her website and connect with her on Twitter and Facebook.

Here are my thoughts on the book. I was fortunate to both read and listen to an audio version of this book. I began by listening to the audio and then finished reading the story when the paperback edition arrived

A BILLIONAIRE AFTER DARK by Katie Lane

What starts out as research for an article ends up changing Eden Huckabee’s life forever.

Author Katie Lane will have you laughing, swooning and looking for an air conditioner in her latest release, A BILLIONAIRE AFTER DARK.

Handsome Nash Beaumont has carried a guilt with him for years. It troubles him so much that he believes he doesn’t deserve to love a woman causing him to live his love life in the shadows. A co-owner of the sexy lingerie company French Kiss, Nash has his world turned upside down by a feisty woman with a few secrets of her own.

Eden is searching for a hot story to jump start her reporting career When she discovers a dark secret of a Beaumont, she thinks it could showcase her writing skills. But she didn’t image she would be drawn to that Beaumont in such a tantalizing way.

The author explores and intertwines the secrets the main characters are hiding. Lane has created well-developed characters with strong traits and alluring personalities. The supporting cast of characters enhances the story.

The second installment in the Overnight Billionaires series, A BILLIONAIRE AFTER DARK can be read on its own. The story moves at a fast pace with twists and turns that will hold you spellbound. The hot, steamy encounters between Nash and Eden will take your breath away and leave you wanting more. 

The author combines sexy encounters, humor, determination, friendship and family loyalty into a tantalizing tale you’ll enjoy from beginning to end.

Narrator Cindy Harden does a beautiful job giving each character their own voice and bringing them to life. She captures the emotional turmoil of the characters perfectly. Her mannerisms add depth to this enticing story.

A Billionaire After Dark by Katie Lane, the Overnight Billionaires series (Book #2), Forever, @2016, ISBN: 978-1455533176, Mass Market Paperback, 336 Pages --- Narrated by Cindy Harden, Hachette Audio, @2016, ASIN: BO1CRVMRLE, Audible Audio Edition, Unabridged, Listening Time: 9 Hours and 4 Minutes

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

This tour-wide giveaway is for five (5) copies of A BILLIONAIRE AFTER DARK by Katie Lane.

To enter the giveaway, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and follow the instructions. The widget may take a few seconds to load so please be patient. If the Rafflecopter widget doesn't appear, just click on the link to be taken to the widget

Thanks so much for stopping by today. Does reading an excerpt from a book help you decide whether or not to read more? 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Kristy Woodson Harvey: My Writing Room {+ Contest}

It’s my pleasure to welcome author Kristy Woodson Harvey back to Thoughts in Progress today to talk about her upcoming April release of LIES AND OTHER ACTS OF LOVE.

While visiting with us, Kristy will also be talking about her ‘writing room’ and how that changed when she became a mother. In addition, Kristy has an awesome contest going on prior to the release of her new book. Please see the end of the post for more details on the contest. Now, here’s a brief synopsis of LIES AND OTHER ACTS OF LOVE:

Author Kristy Woodson Harvey presents a new novel about what it really means to tell the truth . . .

After sixty years of marriage and five daughters, Lynn “Lovey” White knows that all of us, from time to time, need to use our little white lies.

Her granddaughter, Annabelle, on the other hand, is as truthful as they come. She always does the right thing—that is, until she dumps her hedge fund manager fiancé and marries a musician she has known for three days. After all, her grandparents, who fell in love at first sight, have shared a lifetime of happiness, even through her grandfather’s declining health.

But when Annabelle’s world starts to collapse around her, she discovers that nothing about her picture-perfect family is as it seems. And Lovey has to decide whether one more lie will make or break the ones she loves . . .

Please join me in giving a warm welcome to Kristy as we find out about her writing room. Welcome, Kristy.

When I decided to write a novel, one of my first considerations was how that would look. What would I wear? Where would I sit? Would I wear glasses instead of contacts to look a little more literary? 

I was leaving a corporate job, so I remember actually going out and buying little skirts and tank tops that I thought would be cute yet comfy. (I hadn’t learned yet that pajamas were considered perfect acceptable author gear!) 

I picked the perfect sunny window with a gorgeous view, splurged on the desk I thought I couldn’t live without, lit a candle, made some tea, and got down to writing. I learned pretty quickly that I don’t see nearly as well out of my glasses as my contacts, so that bit was a no-go. And, for the first year or so, my peaceful, routine-driven writing went very well.

Then I had a baby. It is so cliché that a baby changes everything, but it’s cliché for a reason. A baby did, in fact, change everything. Even the way I wrote.

I had this image of the baby sleeping beside me in the bassinet while I jotted down a couple thousand words. That was a total fantasy. As it turned out, the only place I could get said baby to sleep was on my body. And I could complain about it. Or I could figure it out. So I learned how to write while nursing. And type one handed with a baby sleeping in one arm. Or on my lap in the car when he was snoring in the car seat, or fifteen minutes at a time while something besides me actually caught my son’s attention. 

And it wasn’t perfect. But it was progress. Some way, somehow, I got through the draft of DEAR CAROLINA. And, even more amazingly, managed to edit it, which, for me, is the part that is much more time consuming and requires infinitely more concentration. Then I started writing LIES AND OTHER ACTS OF LOVE too. And the progress was slow, much slower than the days when it had been my desk and my candle and my view and me. Much slower than when I would wake up and wash my hair and put on my make-up and get dressed before I arrived at my desk.

The coolest thing of all is that, when I quit worrying about what a writer was supposed to look like and sound like and be like, I became my very own kind of writer. And, instead of trying to sound like a writer, I started sounding like me.

And guess what? I got my first book deal.

Fast-forward to now, the toddler years. I write at Starbuck’s during preschool because my son’s school is thirty minutes away from our house. And I get in a few hundred words during Sesame Street. And, yes, if that occasional nap happens in the car, I’m always ready with my laptop. 

Upon a rare occasion, I do get to luxuriate at that perfectly chosen desk with the gorgeous water view. And, during those times, sometimes I even light my candle and have my tea. But, through babyhood and toddlerhood and all of the distractions that life throws our way, I’ve learned that being a writer doesn’t have to look a certain way. It just has to sound like you. 

Kristy, thanks for joining us today and sharing this insight into how your writing changed from your first perspective of what it should until what it is now. Sometimes if we just let things come to us, the natural order of life flows much smoother than we ever imaged. Seems like your writing has developed that way.

Now for those who aren’t familiar with Kristy, here’s a bit of background on her.

Author Kristy Woodson Harvey

Kristy Woodson Harvey is the author of Dear Carolina. She holds a degree in journalism and mass communications from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a master’s in English from East Carolina University. 

She lives in North Carolina with her husband and son.

For more on Kristy and her writing, visit her website and connect with her on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.

LIES AND OTHER ACTS OF LOVE is available at the following sites: IndieBound. Amazon. Barnes & Noble. Books A Million. Powell’s. Google Play. Walmart. Hudson Booksellers. Kobo.

CONTEST DETAILS:

Order LIES AND OTHER ACTS OF LOVE and send a picture of the receipt to kristy@kristywoodsonharvey.com between now and April 10 to be entered to win a $1,000 Shop Design Chic gift card. Everyone who enters will receive copies of four gorgeous printable quotes from the book! Order or pre-order from an independent bookstore or Indiebound for two contest entries!

Thanks so much for dropping by today during Kristy’s visit. If you’re a writer, please share what your first writing room (space) was (or is) like. If you’re a reader, how do you envision a writing room should look?

Noble and Happy Easter

As millions across the land celebrate this Easter holiday in various ways today, I want to share my thoughts on an inspiring DVD movie I recently watched.

NOBLE, A Dream Can Change A Million Lives

Christina Noble grew up a poor child in Ireland, but made a tremendous difference as an adult in Vietnam.

Losing her mother at a young age, Christina and her siblings were placed in an orphanage when her father couldn’t care for them. As she grew up, Christina continued to face various hardships, but was determined not to give up. While she couldn’t always understand why things were happening to her, she never gave up her faith.

Following a dream she had as a young woman, Christina traveled to Vietnam where she struggled to make a difference for the street children. She overcame barriers to aid the children that she was once like.

This true story show’s one woman’s determination to make a difference and the vision she created. The stunning setting drives home the gripping tale. Christina’s story is one of inspiration, hope and dedication.

The core actors (Deirdre O’Kane, Sarah Greene, Brendan Coyle, Liam Cunningham, and Ruth Negg) do a superb job bringing the story to the screen. Their performances will tug on your heartstrings. Viewers also get a glimpse of the real Christina Noble at the end of the movie.

NOBLE is a compelling, heartbreaking, compassionate, inspiring and determined story of a fearless Irish heroine with a human spirit that couldn’t be broken. This moving movie is rated PG-13, but is one the whole family can watch and learn from.

Noble, A Dream Can Change A Million Lives, directed by Stephen Bradley, Studio: Word Films P&D, @2016, 1 DVD Format Disc, Rated PG-13, ASIN: BO1AJZ8E3A, Run Time: 100 Minutes

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this DVD was sent to me in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Thanks for stopping by today. I hope I’ve enticed you to check out the movie NOBLE. I’m never quite sure what to include in a movie review other than to say it’s one you should watch. Do you enjoy watching movies based on true stories of inspiration?

For those celebrating Easter today, I wish you and your families a safe, happy and joyous outing with much love, family and friendship to surround you. HAPPY EASTER!!

The Perils of Pauline by Collette Yvonne

It’s always a joy to find new-to-me authors that I can talk to you about, as well as share tantalizing new books. Today, I want to tell you about THE PERILS OF PAULINE by Collette Yvonne.

Here’s a description of THE PERILS OF PAULINE:

For ex-army veteran Pauline Parril life marches along in orderly formation now that she is happily married, raising three children, and ascending a promising career ladder. But the handles of her safe and comfortable world soon turn upside-down when a termination letter lands on her lap and her once-loving husband Donald grows distant as he fools around with an attractive co-worker.

Complications further arise when Pauline returns to school and meets Michael Fortune--the handsome and exciting poetry professor who threatens to get out of hand. Pauline once endured a long deployment to a war-torn country halfway around the world, but can she survive the front lines of her fraying household?

Find out how she does it in the PERILS OF PAULINE, an uproarious tale à la Bridget Jones of an intrepid every-woman as she steps through the challenges of rebuilding her life while learning that there’s actually more to discover about herself than she ever dreamed possible.

THE PERILS OF PAULINE is Yvonne's first published novel. She's been ceremoniously successful throughout the years across many Canadian publications, and even had one of her stories made into a short-film. 

Here’s an excerpt from THE PERILS OF PAULINE for your reading pleasure …

      I step out my front door to find my next-door neighbor standing at the edge of his lawn, staring across at our yard, his lips compressed into a frown. 
      “Is everything okay, Lewis?” 
      “Your water sprinkler is too close to my property line.” 
      “How so? It’s on my lawn.” 
      “When you water your lawn, my driveway is getting sprinkled.” 
      I know better than to argue with Lewis. “Okay, no problem, I’ll position the sprinkler further away.” 
      I better not mention the sprinkler issue to Donald or he might freak out. Over the years, Lewis has complained about the height of our grass (too long), the color of our grass (yellow) and the condition of our grass (weedy). He also demands that we cut down our shady maple and repaint our porch. 
      The mature maples lining our street are the best feature of this old sprawling suburb with big front porches and quiet cul-de-sacs. Lewis chopped down all his trees last year, citing the aggravation of leaves choking his gutters. 
      Our grass is admittedly scruffy but that’s because last month Donald spot-sprayed it with a home-brew of salt and vinegar to kill the crabgrass and clover, and ended up pickling the grass instead. He dug out the worst scorched areas and laid pieces of new sod, so now the lawn has bright green patches interspersed with the weedy yellow parts and the dead brown bits. Now all the neighborhood kids like to come over to play The Floor is Lava on our front lawn. The green bits are safe. Step outside them, you die. 
      I hurry down the sidewalk to Bibienne’s where boring lawns go to die and reincarnate as boisterous perennial gardens full of day lilies, climbing honeysuckle and chrysanthemums. Hummingbirds chase butterflies through pink and purple peonies as I go around the side to her garden doors only to find an abandoned wheelbarrow. Odd. Usually Bibienne is outside pruning her roses on a day like this. 
      One of the doors is ajar so I rap on the frame and step inside. I love Bibienne’s roomy kitchen: an inspired mix of antique cabinets fitted with granite countertops. A cook’s dream but nothing’s cooking here. Beyond the kitchen, in the family room, I spy Bibienne reclined on the couch watching TV, legs stretched out and crossed at the ankles on the oversized ottoman in front of her. Without taking her eyes from the screen, she frowns at me while laying her palm on top of her head, as if to hold down her thick auburn hair, which is gathered away from her face in a hasty French twist. She raises a warning finger to her lips. Camilo Villegas and Adam Scott are playing so I know enough to remain silent until the next commercial break, when she turns her cool green eyes on me. I’ve interrupted men’s tennis so this better be good. 
      “I’ve been fired. My assistant, Daria, stole my job.” 
      “Oh. Okay.” She gets up from the couch and pats my shoulder. “I’ll make you a drink.” 
      I nod and follow her to the kitchen. I’m safe. I can stick around and watch tennis with her as long as I don’t make too much noise. 
      “I have ChocoLee chocolates too.” She drops ice cubes into tall glasses and fills them with red wine and lime soda. What luck. Bibienne always drinks Spanish wine cocktails and breaks out the chocolate when Villegas is winning. 
      Bibienne watches the end of the match with her lips parted and her hand across her heart. After the final point, she turns off the TV, fans her cheeks and sighs. “Él está bueno. Oh well, come see my new laptop. You can try it out while I top us off.” 
      The connection is lightning fast. I wish I had ripped-speed access to the Internet. Bibienne sets my glass at my elbow and peers over my shoulder. “Career Search Australia?” 
      “Yeah. Look. They need a snake wrangler in Canberra. Wait a minute, there’s an opening at the Bikini Car Wash.” 
      I click around. There are a zillion postings for jobs all around the world, from San Francisco to Shanghai. Even Kalamazoo has a raft of listings. Here, in the greater suburbs of the Boston Commonwealth, not so much. Unless I want to commute all the way into the city, like Donald does when he isn’t at the branch office here in town. Since Doubles got so busy, he has to go into the city more often than not these days. 
      Forget job searching for now. Bibi has a collection of fun apps on her desktop. I click on a Tarot icon. “Is this site any good?” 
      “Yes, it’s one of the best,” she says. “If you want a quick reading, try the Celtic Cross spread.” 
      Bibienne knows a lot about tarot. She’s so sharp and perceptive, her massage therapy clients are always asking her to read their cards for them. 
      I type in my question: What does the future hold for me? The results show the Queen of Cups, seated in the auspicious Position One, which represents the “Questioner in Her Present Situation.” 
      “The Queen of Cups is the good woman card,” says Bibienne. “She’s loving and kind. A bit of a dreamer, distracted. But see? She sits on a throne, which means she wields power and makes the rules. The suit of cups represents emotions. Overflowing emotions, hidden emotions, secrets maybe. Who knows what’s in her cup?” 
      “Bra cups, cups of laundry detergent, cups of wine.” 
      Bibienne points to my glass. “Your cup of wine is empty.” 
      Position Two shows the Three of Swords: a lowly card suggestive of trickery and betrayal. “That would be Daria and WiFi-Robes,” I say as Bibienne refills my glass and sits beside me. 
      “Could be.” She examines the spread. “The Three of Swords usually represents sudden heartbreak or betrayal. But look over here. Your Three is countered by the Two of Swords, which is about the difficulty of making decisions. That’s a double whammy. See the blindfold on the woman in the picture? She can’t see her way. She may not want to see, in fact, she may be in denial.” 
      It all makes sense. I’ve been betrayed, lost my job, and now I have to make choices about what to do next, right? More curious though is the appearance of the powerful and authoritative Emperor standing in opposition to my Queen. Donald perhaps? But, if the Emperor is my husband, who is the Knight of Cups occupying the near future position? The Knight of Cups is a man of high romance, poetry and passion. Here, Donald doesn’t spring to mind. How intriguing: the card drawn for the position representing Final Outcomes turns out to be The Lovers. As I wander back home I can’t help but note that two cups makes a couple.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Author Collette Yvonne

Collette Yvonne was born in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, Canada where her father served as a fighter pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force. She has many fond memories of growing up as a military brat. 

Now married with three children, she lives in Ontario where she instructs yoga part-time, as well as writes. She also enjoys volunteering in the community. She graduated from Toronto’s York University, majoring in Creative Writing with a minor in the Humanities. In her first year, she toyed with the idea of becoming an anthropologist and also considered being a computer scientist! However, following the opportunity to study under well-known Canadian authors such as Don Coles, Susan Swan, Elisabeth Harvor and Bruce Powe, she decided to stick with writing. 

Collette’s first novel, THE QUEEN OF CUPS, was published in August 2006 and was a finalist within its genre in ForeWord Magazine’s Book of the Year. Other publication credits include many articles, stories, reviews and interviews in various Ontario local newspapers, and national Canadian publications including ‘The Toronto Star’, ‘The National Post’, ‘The Globe and Mail’ and ‘Canadian Woman Studies’. 

Her subjects tend to be personal journalism with pieces on a wide range of topics and she also likes to write in her blog, along with writing guest posts for other bloggers. She is a member of the Writer's Community of Durham Region (WCDR), and has developed skills as a photographer, speaker, website designer, editor, and writing workshop facilitator. Editorial contributions have been made to several published works, along with short non-fiction pieces. Indeed, she is equally at home writing both fiction and non-fiction. 

One of her short stories was made into a short film ‘Snapshots for Henry’, which was screened in numerous film festivals around the world. The film received a nomination for a Genie Award in 2007.

Praise for THE PERILS OF PAULINE:

“A deftly written, uproariously funny, exceptionally entertaining novel, The Perils of Pauline clearly documents Collette Yvonne as a gifted author of the first order. Impressively entertaining from beginning to end, The Perils of Pauline is very highly recommended reading for personal leisure time lists and would prove to be an enduringly popular addition to community library General Fiction collections.” - Midwest Book Review, March 2015

Thanks for stopping by today during this spotlight on author Collette Yvonne’s THE PERILS OF PAULINE. Do you enjoy stories where the protagonist encounters daily and/or life-altering complications that you can relate to or that you see in everyday life? 

To those celebrating, HAPPY GOOD FRIDAY!!

Raiders of the Lost Bark on Tour

It’s a pleasure today to welcome the writing team of Sparkle Abbey to Thoughts in Progress to talk about their upcoming release of RAIDERS OF THE LOST BARK, the eighth installment in their Pampered Pets Mystery series.

Here’s a brief synopsis of RAIDERS OF THE LOST BARK:

Mel's enemy may be barking up the wrong tree . . .

But someone is about to become a killer.

Melinda Langston, amateur sleuth and Bow Wow Boutique owner, finds herself "Glamping Under the Stars" with a blackmailer, Orange County's hottest new gourmet pet chef, Addison Rae. But before Mel can put an end to Addison's strong-arming, the chef is found dead. Mel is just one of many suspects who had motive to snuff out the demanding chef. 

Was it Redmond, the angry sous chef who detested working for Addison? What about rival chef, Pepper Maddox? The glamping chef gig was hers until Addison blackmailed her way into the job. And then there's Asher, a charming fellow camper whose past relationship with Addison isn't the only secret he's guarding. Mel's not one to tuck tail and run, even when it looks like she may be the next victim.

Sparkle Abbey (the writing team of authors Mary Lee Woods and Anita Carter) joins us to talk about inspiration. I’ll also share my thoughts on this delightful cozy mystery scheduled for release tomorrow (March 25th). Please join me in welcoming Sparkle to TIP. Welcome, Sparkle.

“All the effort in the world won’t matter if you’re not inspired.”―Chuck Palahniuk

Inspiration is everywhere. As writers, we are always looking for ways to be stirred to greatness. Inspiration drives action…or in some cases, words on the blank page.

When we’re on deadline, we don’t get to wait for inspiration to hit, we have to sit down and do the work. But that doesn’t mean we stop looking for ways to add joy or meaning to our lives and our stories.

We’re moved by great books and entertaining movies. An oceanside photo and a road trip with our closest girlfriends. A great conversation and other people’s success stories. The way we live our lives often provides our greatest inspiration: a positive attitude and a large dose of laughter. 

The setting for our latest release, RAIDERS OF THE LOST BARK, was inspired by an Orange County camping trip that Anita and her family took a number of years ago. For three hot summer days, at the beginning of what was to become a five-year drought for California, Anita’s family pitched their well-used six-person tent at the desolate Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park campground. Bees, rattlesnakes, and mountain lions. What were they thinking? After two restless nights of sleeping on the hard, dusty ground, and watching over their shoulders for mountain lions, they broke camp and headed east—to the even hotter Las Vegas desert, a cold hotel room and running water.

Years later, we tossed around the idea of a story set outside of Laguna Beach. What if our pampered characters were stuck between the sandstone canyons and parched wilderness campsites? How would they cope? What luxuries would they take with them? Would they still be able to catch a killer under the stars?

As you can see, sometimes inspiration is so close we just have to take a moment and stop; be mindful in that instant by listening to the silence, and taking a few deep cleansing breaths. We’re not all inspired by the same things or in the same ways. So what inspires you?

Thank you for inviting us to visit with your readers. We hope ya’ll enjoy our latest Pampered Pets Mystery adventure, RAIDERS OF THE LOST BARK, out March 25^th!

Thanks Sparkle for visiting with us today and reminding us that inspiration is all around us. Now for those who aren’t familiar with Sparkle, here’s a bit of background on the lovely ladies.

Sparkle Abbey (authors Mary Lee Woods and Anita Carter)
 Photo credit Gretchen Scott Photography

Sparkle Abbey is the pseudonym of two mystery authors (Mary Lee Woods and Anita Carter). They are friends and neighbors as well as co-writers of the Pampered Pets Mystery Series. The pen name was created by combining the names of their rescue pets--Sparkle (Mary Lee's cat) and Abbey (Anita's dog). 

They reside in central Iowa, but if they could write anywhere, you would find them on the beach with their laptops and, depending on the time of day, with either an iced tea or a margarita. 

If you're missing any of their backlist this is a great time to grab them. Details here. And if you want to make sure you're up on all the Sparkle Abbey news, stop by their website and sign up for updates at sparkleabbey.com.

RAIDERS OF THE LOST BARK is available at the following sites: Amazon, Google and Kobo.

Here are my thoughts ….

RAIDERS OF THE LOST BARK by Sparkle Abbey

Stories that make you smile from the beginning are always a delight to read and author Sparkle Abbey’s upcoming release, RAIDERS OF THE LOST BARK, is a fine example.

Between protagonist Melinda Langston and her quirky assistant, Betty Foxx, you can’t help but laugh sometimes despite the fact that murder abounds.

Melinda, owner of the pet accessories shop Bow Wow Boutique, reluctantly agrees to go to ‘Glamping Under the Stars’ with Betty. In reality, Melinda is really going to see Addison Rae, Orange County’s hottest new gourmet pet chef, who is blackmailing Melinda.

It seems Addison has some incriminating letters Melinda desperately wants. But before Addison comes through on her promise to turn over the letters, she’s found murdered. Since she and Melinda had heated words earlier in the day, Melinda becomes a prime suspect in her death.

Melinda has to sniff through a long list of Addison’s enemies to find the real killer. Question is, can she do it before she or Betty become the next victim?

With a cast of eccentric characters that are likable and well-developed, the story moves at a good pace holding your attention. The setting draws you in and adds depth to the story.

The protagonist is strong-willed, but shows a vulnerable side readers can relate to. The interaction among the core cast of characters enhances the story giving it a feel of friends you’d enjoy being around.

RAIDERS OF THE LOST BARK is a pleasant tale with twists and turns that can be read as a standalone. A blend of mystery, mayhem, romance and laughter makes this a captivating story.

Raiders of the Lost Bark by Sparkle Abbey, A Pampered Pets Mystery (Book #8), Bell Bridge Books, @2016, ISBN: 978-1611946778, Paperback, 206 Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

Thanks so much for stopping by today during Sparkle Abbey’s visit. Where do you find inspiration? Have you ever ‘glamped it up’ under the stars?

Child of Privilege {+ Giveaways}

I’m delighted today to welcome a new-to-me author Ross Ponderson to Thoughts in Progress and learn about his recent release, CHILD OF PRIVILEGE.

Ross will be talking about how his book came about and his writing in general. In addition, he is sharing an excerpt from the book and has graciously offered not one but five (5) free Kindle Gift eBook downloads for a giveaway. Please see the end of the post for more giveaway details.

Here’s a description of CHILD OF PRIVILEGE:

Dana Van Werner is riding a bus bound for nowhere.

          In her pockets, she carries a bus ticket, $260, hope, her own wits, and an unbreakable will. In her memories, she carries the nightmares of frequent beatings, growing up in constant fear, physical and verbal abuse, and her father's unfathomable hatred. Dana, a 19-year-old debutante born into wealth, privilege, culture, and social standing, ponders her new world--the "real" world--for which she is laughably ill-prepared.

          She doesn't know where she's going, where her next meal is coming from, or where she'll sleep tonight. She does, however, take comfort in two certainties: that the brutal beatings at the hands of her father--a psychotic, powerful attorney--are finally over; and that her decision to run away from the palatial mansion she once called home has probably saved her life.

          This lovable, down-to-earth teenager (more "girl next door" than debutante) grows up quickly as she confronts intercity buses, seedy motels, wet t-shirt contests, jail cells, honky-tonks, night people, and sexual predators. All the while, she is relentlessly pursued by private investigators hired by her revenge-obsessed father to bring her back under his control. 

          You'll cheer the courage, strength, and determination of this endearing heroine as she searches for a new home and a new life, and finds a gentle, caring man--a bachelor deputy sheriff--who truly loves her. 

          But she has no inkling of the nightmare awaiting her at the end of the road.

          A dizzying chain of events is triggered by an accident that claims the life of someone Dana loves. Suspicions surrounding the tragedy--and her own anger--force the teenager to return home. Upon her arrival, a humiliating family secret kept carefully hidden for years is callously revealed. This sets the stage for the inevitable final showdown between father and daughter as long-simmering anger, resentment, and hunger for revenge finally erupt into a terrifying flashpoint.

          This emotional rollercoaster will lift you to heartwarming heights, plunge you into tearful depths, and amuse you with moments of wry humor.  

          Join Dana Van Werner on her desperate journey. Let this Child of Privilege inspire you, uplift you, and touch you in her uniquely personal way. You just may discover a part of yourself in her.

Please join me now in giving a warm welcome to Ross as he talks about his writing. Welcome, Ross.

As my favorite English teacher critiqued a short story I’d written for his class, he offered me a nugget of sage advice that has remained with me to this day: “Conflict is the root of all good fiction.”

Without the time-honored struggles of antagonist versus protagonist, good versus evil, and predator versus prey, you have no arc of suspense; your story has no “hook” to engage the reader’s imagination; that thrilling climax you’ve envisioned has no conflicts to resolve; and, worse yet, your novel fails to establish an “interest connection” with your reader.

In short, you have no story.

CHILD OF PRIVILEGE’s development began with—of all things—a newspaper photo of a group of debutantes attending a fundraising gala. They were the essence of culture, grace and style: visions of elegance in their lavish formal gowns, their beautiful faces impeccably made-up and positively beaming, and not a hair out of place. 

Then the writer’s best friend—the beloved “what if”—started blasting in the back of my mind like an arcade game. What if this picture were nothing more than a facade? What if those picture-perfect smiles were disguising something dark and sinister? What if—behind the closed doors of their opulent mansions—their lives were punctuated by beatings, emotional and verbal abuse, and the constant fear of family violence? What if one of those affluent, beautiful young women was—behind that glittering smile--reaching her emotional breaking point?

Thus was born my debut novel, CHILD OF PRIVILEGE, and its protagonist, Dana Van Werner.

My primary antagonist—and Dana would be tormented by several over the course of the novel—was her father Richard, a wealthy, Type-A, mega-successful lawyer driven by a veritable rogue’s gallery of demons: power, winning at any cost, social standing, greed, avarice, influence, and the unquestioned domination of his world, especially his family whom he regarded as little more than window-dressing for his own public image.

Curious as to whether or not this outrageous idea had the “legs” to run the literary marathon that is a modern-day novel, I started scribbling down a series of ideas, possibilities, and concepts as they occurred to me. I was amazed at how easily they all flowed.

The first component of the story would serve to “equalize” Dana with the “real world,” to banish her from her comfort zone--blue-blooded society--and effectively “knock her down a few pegs.” A huge number of pegs, actually. That part was easy. To that end, the story opens in the middle of a chilly autumn night with Dana riding a decrepit intercity bus bound for nowhere. You can imagine how that felt to a young woman accustomed to luxury and elegance. But she had finally escaped the chamber of horrors that was the Van Werner mansion. In doing so, however, she had cut herself off from her former life, including her home, her wealth, and her long-suffering socialite mother Maggie. 

As the miles swirled past in the darkness, Dana continually struggled with smothering feelings of loneliness, doubt, isolation, fear, and worry for the beloved Mom she had left behind.

The liberation of Dana Van Werner had begun.

Once I had pried her out of her element, I started concocting a string of situations that would confront this former debutante: fleabag motels, seedy diners, perverts, jail cells, honky-tonks, night people, and sexual predators. One particularly introspective sequence featured her dancing in a wet t-shirt contest to earn money for a bus ticket. Two long-running threads were used to build my suspense arc: Richard’s relentless pursuit of his prodigal daughter across the country; and the parade of private detectives hired to bring her back under his control. I created one detective in particular—a vulgar, obnoxious buffoon named Reavis Macklin—to take a fiendish delight in tormenting Dana well beyond the requirements of his assignment.                   

Character development and evolution are essential in building that bridge to the reader. To that end, I designed an unusually large number of inter-character conflicts into my storyline. In addition, I forced each player to confront his/her own personal demons as well. The result is a story taut with tension and uncertainty, betrayals and shifting alliances, behind-the-scenes skullduggery and lies, flawed heroes and demonic villains, and a plot with more twists than the bakery section of your local supermarket. These were just a few of the many devices I employed to keep the suspense arc climbing and heightening its appeal to the reader.

After spending a night in jail and escaping a horrifying encounter with Macklin, Dana found refuge in a bucolic Colorado farm town. There she also found love in the form of a bachelor deputy sheriff who convinced her that a man’s touch needn’t be malicious and painful. I took particular pains to bring that budding relationship along slowly, wanting to avoid the “Hi …nice to meet you … let’s do it” scenario. Considering the scars Dana bore, that approach would’ve lacked credibility. Slowly, she did learn to trust again and to feel comfortable with a man’s touch.

Richard’s frustration, meanwhile, pushed him to the brink of insanity. In one of the subplots, an accident triggered a stunning turn of events that drew Dana back home and straight into her father’s clutches. In the shadows, Reavis Macklin quietly plotted unthinkable revenge against our heroine.

With Dana’s reappearance at the Van Werner mansion, everything hit the fan at once.

Dana and Richard clashed in a singularly bloody and emotional showdown. Macklin—drunk on a reckless cocktail of anger, macho, and testosterone—interfered and threw himself into the carnage of an already horrifying scene. A humiliating and long-hidden secret was callously revealed and shredded the fabric of the Van Werner family. Truths were uncovered and closets were flung wide open, allowing their skeletons to tumble forth. By the time those climactic chapters closed, all that remained were the post-mortems. 

As for those final pages before The End, I think many authors develop a signature “style” for closing out a novel. One approach that has always intrigued me was one used in the 1970s movie American Graffiti and on the Dragnet television series. As a result, I dedicated CHILD’s final chapter to a series of brief vignettes describing the principal characters’ ultimate fates. Some readers appreciated this; others preferred to use their own imaginations. It’s a matter of personal preference and I respect that. But I wanted to present a complete story—a neatly-wrapped package, if you will—to the reader. On a personal level, it also lent a sense of closure to the novel.

In closing, I hope this peek inside CHILD OF PRIVILEGE has been informative and entertaining. I enjoyed bringing it to you. I would also like to thank Mason Canyon for the opportunity to meet all of you. 

Happy reading … and writing!

Ross, thank you for joining us today and sharing this understanding into your story. I especially like how you took a photo of a group of debutantes and turned it into this fascinating thriller. The ‘What if’ is a powerful tool.

Now for those who aren’t familiar with Ross, here’s a bit of background on him.

Author Ross Ponderson doesn't do photos :-)

Ross Ponderson is a retired IT guy from the USA. Formerly spending far too many hours writing programming gobbledygook, he is now writing actual, human-readable words in the hope that millions of people will enjoy reading them. His favorite stories to write are those chronicling ordinary people meeting extraordinary challenges with extraordinary courage, strength, and determination. He's a FIRM believer in happy endings, both in life and in his novels.

He has enjoyed writing since his grammar school days when essay assignments delighted him while provoking groans of pain from his classmates.

His pleasure centers include writing (of course), reading, railroading, Subway sandwiches, history, surfing (the web, not the waves!), museums of any kind, 1970’s music, wishing he had become a professional musician (much to the dismay of his weary keyboard), searching for new story ideas, and strolling through the local malls. He ALWAYS brakes for book emporiums, ice cream shops, and music stores.

“Child of Privilege” is his debut novel; his second novel is currently being first-drafted.  Hopefully, many more will follow.

For more on Ross and his writing, visit his blog and connect with him through email (ross.ponderson@gmail.com), on Goodreads, Twitter, and Facebook.

CHILD OF PRIVILEGE is available on Amazon.

Here’s an excerpt from CHILD OF PRIVILEGE for your reading pleasure …

Chapter 25 

      "Where the hell were you?" Richard Van Werner snapped. "It's after 1 a.m." 
      Maggie leaned back against the open door of her husband's study. It was difficult to ignore her more-than-slightly intoxicated state. It was equally difficult to ignore her libidinous mood. "What's wrong?" she chuckled. "Were you afraid I'd turn into a pumpkin at midnight?" 
      From behind his computer terminal, Richard glared at her. "I'd say you're pretty close to being a vegetable right now." 
      She laughed in a loud, raucous manner. "You were worried about me, weren't you? Come on, admit it. You were worried about me." 
      "I was worried about what kind of trouble I'd have to get you out of." 
      "No worries, mate, as they say in Australia," she giggled. "You'd be surprised the trouble you can get out of if you're drunk enough." 
      "Did you actually drive in that condition?" 
      "No, I drove in my car," she chortled. 
      "You're damned lucky you didn't get pulled over." 
      "Well, if some cop had stopped me, I would've simply told him who I was, and that'd be the end of it." 
      "That simple, huh?" he scolded. "Don't you realize that if you'd been arrested for DUI, it would've been published in the Register? The whole town would know about it." 
      "Then the whole town would know that Maggie Van Werner knows how to drink and enjoy herself." 
      "And humiliate herself." 
      "Hey," she countered, "girls can do anything." 
      He shook his head disappointedly. "You didn't answer my question. Where the hell were you? Weren't you supposed to be at some committee meeting or something?" 
      "Woman does not live by committee meetings alone," she answered in a tone of scoffing pomposity. "After the meeting, Lisa, Barb, Joanne, Trish, and I went over to the Briar Pub for a little girl talk ... and a few drinks." 
      "Oh, Jesus, the Briar Pub," Richard groaned. "The biggest human landfill in town." 
      "Oh, no, no, no" she countered. "Whatever-magazine-it-was said it's the newest hotspot in North Briarwood. Everyone who's anyone goes there. It's got atmosphere, really hot music, dancing. You should've seen the 5 of us; we were dancing up a storm. It was so cool to see 5 creaky old society broads really tearing up the place." 
      Maggie kicked off her shoes and casually kicked them aside. She strutted to the center of her husband's office and began dancing woozily to a rhythm powered by an excess of alcohol and audible only in her own mind. "Come on," she urged. "Get up and dance with me." 
      Richard shook his head disdainfully. "When hell freezes over," he muttered. He turned his attention back toward his computer terminal. 
      When she was able to maintain her balance, Maggie Van Werner resembled a cross between a thoroughly inept Las Vegas showgirl and a 1960's go-go dancer. But even the most jaded judge of female flesh would feel compelled to give her a second look ... and a third ... perhaps even a fourth. Even through several drunken stumbles, a couple of near-falls, and occasionally tripping over her own feet, Maggie could've been a poster girl for the vivacious, attractive, sexy older woman next door. Wearing black pantyhose and a quintessential little black dress that hugged her womanly curves, she was the sexy soccer mom, horny homemaker, and lascivious lover all rolled into one more-than-a-little-sexy package with a touch of tantalizing sexual spice sprinkled on top for that little extra zing of sensuality. Showcased by that figure-hugging black dress, the contours of Maggie's breasts, legs, pubic mound, and ass cheeks were happily, proudly, and defiantly on display. With some minor allowances, she was more than capable of catching the eye of the neighborhood grandfathers, fathers, sons, and grandsons. 
      "Come on, Richard," she hooted. "Let your hair down. Get up here and dance with me. Show me you know how to shake your booty." 
      Richard didn't care to even look. 
      "Hey, why don’t I take my clothes off?" she laughed. "You want me to do a striptease for you? I'll take all my clothes off right here. Nice and slow and sexy. Give you a real show. Then you can carry me upstairs and we'll put some wrinkles in those new bed sheets." 
      Richard's reply was characteristically terse. "Why don't you go upstairs and sleep it off?" 
      "Why don't you come with me?" she giggled. "In more ways than one?" 
      No response. 
      Short-circuited by the intensifying effects of the alcohol, her own fatigue, and her husband's indifference, Maggie slowed down, finally ground to a stop, and flopped into one of the large chairs facing Richard's desk. She was perspiring profusely and laboring to catch her breath. 
      Snidely, he asked, "Why don't you sit down and make yourself comfortable?" 
      "I already have," she answered coquettishly. "Come on, Richard. Keep up with me." 
      "You stay the hell away from that dump," he commanded. "It's nothing but a two-bit dive with Christmas tree lights, loud music, watered-down drinks, and a bunch of oversexed losers looking for a one-night stand. Honestly, I thought you had better taste than that." 
      She shrugged unsteadily. "Well, I guess I've failed once again to live up to your standards. Oh well ... fuck it." 
      "Plenty of that going on there too." 
      Irritation beginning to shade his face, Richard sighed impatiently. "Is there some point to all this? I have hours of work to do." 
      "Well, listen to me for just one minute and I'll make my point. And you might find it interesting ... maybe even profitable." 
      "I doubt it, but go ahead. It's obvious you won't let me get anything done until you do." 
      She leaned forward onto his desk, sidling close to his face. "During a break in the meeting—" 
      Richard wrinkled his nose and turned away. He motioned Maggie to sit back in her chair. "For God's sake, your breath smells like a distillery," he grumbled. "Aim it away from me." 
      Maggie roared loudly and leaned back in her chair. "All right, you old fuddy-duddy. During a break in the meeting, Lisa and I started talking. Her husband, Howard, owns a chain of convenience stores. She told me his company is looking for a new law firm. Now I figure convenience stores must have a ton of legal business. Sounds like easy money in the bank to me. So, I gave you and the firm a big buildup. Now, Howard wants to meet you. So, I invited him and Lisa over for dinner on Friday night." 
      Richard rolled his eyes in disgust. "Oh, that's just fucking great," he whined. "I get to spend an evening listening to some guy crowing about making a fortune peddling coffee, beer, soda pop, bottled water, and flavored ice. That's just great, Maggie. For your information, we are very particular about who we accept as clients. We don't take just anybody who walks in the door. In fact, we already have a client waiting list. Next time, just leave business to me, all right? You stick to your little charity stuff." 
      Clearly deflated, Maggie frowned and said, "You're welcome, Richard." 
      She sank dejectedly into her chair, pouting and staring at the floor. She didn't say anything for a long time. 
      "Is there something else?" he asked, outwardly annoyed by now. 
      "Yes, there's something else," she countered, the hurt in her voice very apparent. "I tried to do something nice for you. Now, could you maybe do something for me? Could you let up on Dana? She's got her own life. Let her be." 
      The attorney's face creased with a crooked half-smile. He appeared mildly amused by his wife's request. He snickered maliciously, "Shit, this is going from bad to worse. I have a pile of work to do and now you want to talk about that little tramp." 
      "She's not a tramp," she shot back. "She's your daughter. Richard, for God's sake, leave her alone already. Nothing good can come of you hunting her down like an animal. She doesn't want to come back. Let her go." 
      He shook his head disapprovingly, leaned forward in his overstuffed leather chair, and addressed his wife as though she were a dim-witted child. "First of all, the North Briarwood Harvest Moon Cotillion is coming up soon. Morton and Sylvia Graham expect the three of us to put in an appearance: I, my wife on one arm, and my prodigal loser on the other. Now, I'll be there, you'll be there, and that little tramp will be there if I have to handcuff her to my wrist. We need to be seen in public together. We need to keep up our image. 
      "Secondly, my dear," he continued, "the search for that little slut is business and it's none of your business. That's between that jackass Saranello and me. We know where she is, and we'll soon have an army of detectives surrounding her. She will be brought back here, and when she is—as the head of this family—I'll deal with her as I see fit. Till then, you just mind your own business." 
      Maggie's eyes widened angrily. "She's my daughter too. She is my business." 
      Richard sighed impatiently. "Okay, I'll say it again. Your business is your little charity stuff, appearing on my arm in public wearing those fancy designer gowns I pay for, smiling, talking at the right time, and shutting up at the right time. You and that little whore daughter of yours are a reflection of me. The two of you are component parts of my image. And the Van Werners will continue to project a nice, neat, happy little family image that North Briarwood and my clients—who, incidentally, pay the bills around here—will eat up. Now, is there any anything about that you don't understand?" 
      "Is that all you care about? What other people think? Your image? The firm?" 
      He laughed malevolently, leaned back in his chair, and smugly folded his arms behind his head. "May I remind you, dear, that public perception, and my image, and the firm paid for that spiffy little roadster you drive around town? Not to mention this estate. And your charge cards. And your checking account. And the search for that little tramp. That jagoff Saranello is costing me a fortune." 
      "Then why don't you just give it up and let her live her own life?" 
      He continued to stare coldly at his wife. "Is there anything else you want to talk about?" 
      Emboldened by the alcohol and her hurt feelings, she asked, 
      "How about the fact that you haven't touched me in weeks?" "How about the fact that you haven't climbed outside of a bottle in weeks?" 
      "Oh, come on, Richard," she snapped. "That's a cop-out. Even before Dana left, our sex life has been nothing more to you than an outlet for your anger. Every time something pisses you off—and you happen to be horny at the moment—you climb into our bed and take it out on me. I can't remember the last time your touched me with something other than the back of your hand or a closed fist. I can’t remember the last time you made love with me as if you really cared about me. The sex between us is always rough; it's ... angry; it’s ... aggressive. It feels like I'm having sex with someone who wants to kill me. You're not making love with me; you're doing it to me. I never told you this, but I'm always sore between my legs for days afterward. Sometimes I get the feeling that the only reason you have sex with me is to punish me for something." 
      Richard instantly tightened. His eyes burrowed into Maggie's with something indefinable ... anger ... something ... something frightening. 
      "I’m not going to apologize for having a good time with my friends tonight," she declared forcefully. "And I'm not going to let you spoil it. And as far as the Briar Pub is concerned, I’m not going to apologize for that either. The girls and I enjoy going there. You’ll just have to accept that. Besides, nobody is going to make a pass at an old broad like me." 
      Maggie countered her husband's stare with one of her own. "But if my husband is smart, he will make a pass at me tonight. And if he does, he'll find me more than receptive. I'm still a little tipsy, and I'm feeling very horny tonight. I’m really in the mood to be touched. I’d love to have my husband make love with me for a change." 
      She stood up and started to make her way unsteadily to the door. "Now, I'm going upstairs and I'm going to take a nice, hot bath. If my husband has anything on the ball, he’ll use the time while I'm in the tub to get his ass up to our bedroom, grab a shower, and get in our bed. When I get out of the tub, I'll be REALLY ready for him." 
      Without waiting for Richard’s answer, Maggie boldly exited her husband's study and headed upstairs.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

This giveaway is for not one but five (5) free Kindle Gift eBook downloads of CHILD OF PRIVILEGE by Ross Ponderson. This giveaway is open to all and will end at 12 a.m. (EST) on Thursday, March 31.

To enter the giveaway, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and follow the instructions. The widget may take a few seconds to load so please be patient. A winner will be selected by the Rafflecopter widget and I’ll send an email with the subject line “Thoughts in Progress Giveaway.” The winner will have 72 hours to reply to the email or another winner will be selected. PLEASE be sure to check your spam folder from time to time after the giveaway ends to make sure the notification email doesn’t end up there. If you win and you’ve already won the book somewhere else or you just decided for whatever reason you don’t want to win (which is fine), once again PLEASE let me know.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. Do you ever read an article in the newspaper or see a photo/story on TV and wonder ‘what if’ about it?

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