Happy Mother's Day!Mother's Day is more than just a celebration of Mom. It's a day to honor the essence of love and giving and caring for others. It's a day to recognize the strength and healing that comes from these qualities. It's a day to understand that all of us have and express Mother in our lives. We are all connected as, and with, Mom, whether we have children - no matter how they came to us - or don't; whether we're a parent of fur babies, feathered babies, or reptilian children; whether our relationship with our own mother is strong or fraught with tension. Whether your mom is still with you. Wishing you a day filled with love of yourself and the other "moms" in your life. Welcome to Snippet Sunday (and Weekend Writing Warriors)!Thank you for dropping in to say hello and read my snippet from Take Two. I love the stability of these two groups and more than ever I appreciate the consistent feedback and companionship and familiar friends. Please be sure to drop into the Snippet Sunday Facebook group and to the Weekend Writing Warriors. Please be sure to check Before You Go. . . under the snippet - there are links to giveaways you might be interested in (including a $10 Amazon Gift Card). This week's snippet follows from my last post on April 18th (I know, it's been awhile). This scene takes place about 2/3 into the book. “Rachel, what stupid thing with school? You promised you’d tell me if somethin’ happened.” Rachel scoffed and took a step back to look him in the eyes. “You weren’t exactly answering my calls or emails, remember?” Deflated, he sat down on the cot and shook his head. “I’m sorry.” “No, Roger, it sort of had a happy ending. I wasn’t fired, though I did end up resigning.” “Come here.” He reached out again and drew her toward him. “I was an arse.” She took a deep breath. “I was really hurt you didn’t let me explain.” Her confession hung between them. “God, Rachel. I’m so sorry.” She sat down on the bed next to him. “That makes two ‘sorrys’ between us. Think we can come back from that? Can we have a take two?” Take TwoNow only $0.99 for a limited time! Or read for free with KU   Is their love real or fiction? Rachel is a teacher and a single mom who’s picked up the pieces of her life after a horrible marriage. She’d thought her ex-husband was the man of her dreams. He wasn’t. She’s moved on and written a historical romance novel, Swashbuckler, that’s been picked up by Hollywood. Roger is an actor who doesn’t trust women. He’s made bad choices in his past that have come to haunt him in the present, especially the choice that came packaged with blonde hair, large tits, and a marriage that was doomed from the start. Roger thought they were in love—turns out his wife was a social-climber more interested in his status than his heart. He doubts there is a woman alive who can love him for who he is, and not for his fame or for the fantasy he presents to the world. Both Rachel and Roger have been burned by love, trusting a reality that turned out only to be fantasy. Will their fear succeed at keeping them apart? Or will they break through the barriers and allow themselves to love once again? After all, sometimes reality is much sweeter than fantasy. Before You Go...Win 3 Johanna Lindsey Books!  Print copies Win these three books by Johanna Lindsey: Love Me Forever, A Rogue of My Own, and Once A Princess. Found in the local used book store, they're in need of another home. To enter to win, click the button below and fill out the entry form. Winner must be in the US or Canada, 13 years of age or older. Deadline to enter is Sunday, May 10th, 9 PM California time. Winner will be randomly selected from all eligible entries. Win a $10 Amazon Gift Card What romance authors have to say... Check out the latest blog posts by LoveRomanceReads.com authors. Then answer a simple question to be entered to win a $10 Amazon Gift Card: Which of the blog posts did you like the best? If you have the time, please leave a comment on one (or more) of the blog posts. Comments make an author's heart sing. Author Talk with CM Peters Teeter Totters and Other Lessons in Trust by TJ Logan The Ides of March by Mariah Ankenman Author Talk with Viviana MacKade What do love and catheters have in common? by Peggy Jaeger Author Talk with Reina M. Williams Author Talk & Tips with Kate Moore What Spring Means to Me by Kimberley O'Malley Promise of Spring by Aimee O'Brian Scottish Romance...Where Does it Come From by Barbara Russell Amazon Gift Card is awarded from the Amazon US site. Winner must be 18 years of age or older. Deadline to enter is Sunday, May 10th, 9 PM California time. Winner will be randomly selected from all eligible & completed entries.
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Hey! We made it through another week without going insane. Well done, us! I was happy to get back to work (even though it's in my house) and last week went by really quickly. I still have enough groceries to last me a month. Must be because I've gone out to eat a few times? I know I shouldn't, but I can't help it. Thank you for voting for my book to win the Book LoveRRs Club selection! Voting hasn't ended, but it looks good so far. Thank you, thank you! I hope you entered the Book LoveRRs Club because if you did, you could win a copy of Take Two (assuming my book is the selection). Finally, do you want to win an Amazon gift card and tons of books (including Take Two)? head on over to the Escape Into Romance Facebook party. The live event already happened, but the after-hours go on until Sunday, April 19th, 9 PM California time. Welcome to Snippet Sunday (and Weekend Writing Warriors)!I'm happy you've decided to drop in and see what my offering is this week. I love the stability of these groups and more than ever I appreciate the consistent feedback and companionship and familiar friends. Please be sure to drop into the Snippet Sunday Facebook group and to the Weekend Writing Warriors. This week's snippet follows from the past few weeks. This scene takes place about 2/3 into the book. Rachel cleared her throat and pulled back. It was now or never. “Roger, I’m really sorry for what I said in that interview. I’d just realized the only reason I was invited on the show was to dish about you, and then he asked me that question about all things Scottish…” She cupped his face with her hand and looked him in the eyes. “I was trying to make a joke and it came out all wrong.” Roger didn’t move. She heard him take a few deep breaths. He closed his eyes, hiding his emotions from her view. “Yes, knowing you has been a good thing for my writing career, I admit that.” Rachel stood up, tightening the sheet around her, and started to pace in the feeble light of the cabin. She needed the anchor of physical movement to give her courage to get through this. “But not in the way I’m sure it sounded in that interview.” Take Two  Is their love real or fiction? Rachel is a teacher and a single mom who’s picked up the pieces of her life after a horrible marriage. She’d thought her ex-husband was the man of her dreams. He wasn’t. She’s moved on and written a historical romance novel, Swashbuckler, that’s been picked up by Hollywood. Roger is an actor who doesn’t trust women. He’s made bad choices in his past that have come to haunt him in the present, especially the choice that came packaged with blonde hair, large tits, and a marriage that was doomed from the start. Roger thought they were in love—turns out his wife was a social-climber more interested in his status than his heart. He doubts there is a woman alive who can love him for who he is, and not for his fame or for the fantasy he presents to the world. Both Rachel and Roger have been burned by love, trusting a reality that turned out only to be fantasy. Will their fear succeed at keeping them apart? Or will they break through the barriers and allow themselves to love once again? After all, sometimes reality is much sweeter than fantasy. Happy Passover and Happy Easter! May the message of these religious observances be manifested in the here and now - our loved ones spared from harm, a renewal of faith (in each other, in a higher power, in the universe), and finding a path forward to a better future. Welcome to Snippet Sunday. Thank you for stopping by my blog to read my snippet. :-) Please be sure to visit the other authors (you'll find them by clicking the Snippet Sunday link above). If you're a writer, please feel free to share your snippets each week! This week's snippet continues from last week. It's the fourth part of a get-together scene in my debut novel, Take Two. Sorry it's a few sentences over! Also, could I ask a favor? Please vote for my book, TAKE TWO, to be the Book LoveRRs Club April selection. Disclaimer: I run the hosting website. Each month the book club selection is based on the new releases that were promoted the month before. However, this is a fair-and-square voting process. Since I spend almost all my time promoting the website rather than my book, I figured it was okay for me to promote TAKE TWO for this event. THANK YOU! Here's the link to vote: https://www.loveromancereads.com/book-club/april-10th-2020 PS - if you join the Book LoveRRs Club, you can vote twice. And when you vote twice, you'll be entered to win a free copy of the winning book selection (whether it's TAKE TWO or another book). Isn't that cool??? And without further interruptions... He held her gaze, serious and searching. Rachel looked away, afraid he would see the hope that was impossible for her to hide. He absently took a strand of her hair. His fingers grazed the side of her cheek and he leaned closer. “Roger, stop it,” Rachel said, her voice almost breaking. “I don't understand. You're confusing me.” “The confusion is mutual, love.” Roger kissed her, a soft, questioning touch of the lips. Fire zinged from the contact, making a beeline through her chest, down to her pelvis. She held her breath, not moving. Roger continued his kiss, a hand cupping the back of her head, nudging her closer to him. This won’t last. He doesn’t love me. Yet, she'd seen the raw panic in his eyes after he'd hauled her into the raft this afternoon, panic followed by profound relief. But what if she were wrong? What if she'd seen only what she hoped—a reflection of what she felt? Take Two  Is their love real or fiction?
Rachel is a teacher and a single mom who’s picked up the pieces of her life after a horrible marriage. She’d thought her ex-husband was the man of her dreams. He wasn’t. She’s moved on and written a historical romance novel, Swashbuckler, that’s been picked up by Hollywood. Roger is an actor who doesn’t trust women. He’s made bad choices in his past that have come to haunt him in the present, especially the choice that came packaged with blonde hair, large tits, and a marriage that was doomed from the start. Roger thought they were in love—turns out his wife was a social-climber more interested in his status than his heart. He doubts there is a woman alive who can love him for who he is, and not for his fame or for the fantasy he presents to the world. Both Rachel and Roger have been burned by love, trusting a reality that turned out only to be fantasy. Will their fear succeed at keeping them apart? Or will they break through the barriers and allow themselves to love once again? After all, sometimes reality is much sweeter than fantasy. Welcome to Snippet Sunday and Weekend Writing Warriors! I'm so excited to be back in the game of sharing my writing and discovering other authors. :-) This is a fabulous community of authors whom I adore. Please be sure to visit the other authors (you'll find their links up above). If you're a writer, please feel free to share your snippets each week! Directions on how to participate are on both sites. This week's snippet continues from last week. It's the third part of a get-together scene in my debut novel, Take Two. I hope you enjoy! She sighed - she could play this game of talking but not really talking. “Not too bad, thanks. The story will last a lot longer than the discomfort.” “The story of how I rescued you?” Roger asked, smiling tentatively. “Maybe. That and the look on your face when you fell afterward,” Rachel said, smiling back. “My vote is for leaving that part out. Wouldn't want it gettin' round that I fell head over heels for you.” Rachel's heart thumped at his words. Even though she knew he was teasing her, she would forever cherish the thought of Roger falling for her. “Of course, I have fallen for you, and that's the problem.” Roger's voice had dropped, the smile gone. Take Two  Is their love real or fiction?
Rachel is a teacher and a single mom who’s picked up the pieces of her life after a horrible marriage. She’d thought her ex-husband was the man of her dreams. He wasn’t. She’s moved on and written a historical romance novel, Swashbuckler, that’s been picked up by Hollywood. Roger is an actor who doesn’t trust women. He’s made bad choices in his past that have come to haunt him in the present, especially the choice that came packaged with blonde hair, large tits, and a marriage that was doomed from the start. Roger thought they were in love—turns out his wife was a social-climber more interested in his status than his heart. He doubts there is a woman alive who can love him for who he is, and not for his fame or for the fantasy he presents to the world. Both Rachel and Roger have been burned by love, trusting a reality that turned out only to be fantasy. Will their fear succeed at keeping them apart? Or will they break through the barriers and allow themselves to love once again? After all, sometimes reality is much sweeter than fantasy. Welcome to Snippet Sunday and Weekend Writing Warriors! Both are groups of authors that share snippets of their writing every weekend. I usually only have time for one group but in this time of COVID-19, shelter-in-place, I seem to have a few more hours in the day. :-) This is the second part of an angsty scene in my debut novel, Take Two. This is towards the middle of the book and takes place in Costa Rica. Rachel and Roger were set up by their best friends to be on the same overnight river-rafting trip. Before this, they hadn't seen one another for a few months. I'm pretty sure it's easy to follow along, but if you like, here's the previous snippet: https://www.karysafaire.com/blog/a-midnight-visit-snippetsunday Enjoy! And please be sure to visit the other amazing authors at the links above! Roger opened the door and came over to the bed, emerging from the shadows. His shorts sat low on his waist, his bare chest as defined and delicious as she remembered. He sat down facing her and leaned against her bent legs. This close to him, the heat poured off his body, bleeding through the thin sheet to her vulnerable, bare skin. “What are you doing here, Roger?” “That's what I'm wonderin’." Roger reached out his hand and lightly touched her injured shoulder. “How's it holdin’ up?” She sighed - she could play this game of talking but not really talking. “Not too bad, thanks. The story will last a lot longer than the discomfort.” Take Two  Is their love real or fiction? Rachel is a teacher and a single mom who’s picked up the pieces of her life after a horrible marriage. She’d thought her ex-husband was the man of her dreams. He wasn’t. She’s moved on and written a historical romance novel, Swashbuckler, that’s been picked up by Hollywood. Roger is an actor who doesn’t trust women. He’s made bad choices in his past that have come to haunt him in the present, especially the choice that came packaged with blonde hair, large tits, and a marriage that was doomed from the start. Roger thought they were in love—turns out his wife was a social-climber more interested in his status than his heart. He doubts there is a woman alive who can love him for who he is, and not for his fame or for the fantasy he presents to the world. Both Rachel and Roger have been burned by love, trusting a reality that turned out only to be fantasy. Will their fear succeed at keeping them apart? Or will they break through the barriers and allow themselves to love once again? After all, sometimes reality is much sweeter than fantasy. Welcome to Snippet Sunday! Thank you so much for stopping by. What is Snippet Sunday? Glad you asked. We're a dedicated community of writers, posting short snippets of our work every weekend. :-) You can find the Facebook group here > Please visit the group and you're guaranteed to find your next fun read. I hope you enjoy the snippet I've shared with you. It's the beginning of an angsty scene in my debut novel, Take Two. For some context, Rachel and Roger are in Costa Rica. They were set up by their besties to be on the same overnight river-rafting trip. Before this, they hadn't seen one another for a few months. And with that... enjoy! “I need to talk to you.” Roger's voice came to her, came through the door. “Give me five minutes and I'll leave ye alone if that's still what you want.” Rachel pried open an eye, willing her vision to adjust to the dark. She glared at the door. He was there. He was there on the other side. Roger finally had come for her. He knocked again, barely tapping the wood. “Please let me in.” “It's open.” Rachel sat up, pulling the top sheet up to her shoulders to cover her nakedness. She reached over and clicked on the lantern, turning it as low as it would go. The light stabbed at her eyes. Take Two  Is their love real or fiction? Rachel is a teacher and a single mom who’s picked up the pieces of her life after a horrible marriage. She’d thought her ex-husband was the man of her dreams. He wasn’t. She’s moved on and written a historical romance novel, Swashbuckler, that’s been picked up by Hollywood. Roger is an actor who doesn’t trust women. He’s made bad choices in his past that have come to haunt him in the present, especially the choice that came packaged with blonde hair, large tits, and a marriage that was doomed from the start. Roger thought they were in love—turns out his wife was a social-climber more interested in his status than his heart. He doubts there is a woman alive who can love him for who he is, and not for his fame or for the fantasy he presents to the world. Both Rachel and Roger have been burned by love, trusting a reality that turned out only to be fantasy. Will their fear succeed at keeping them apart? Or will they break through the barriers and allow themselves to love once again? After all, sometimes reality is much sweeter than fantasy. Welcome to Snippet Sunday! For this snippet, I'm continuing the scene from where we left off. Please, please give me feedback as this was really hard to write. Is the tension appropriate? Is the writing clear? And whatever else you can think of... ;-) This scene is towards the end of the book. Rachel's young daughter, was in a car accident a few days earlier and is in a medically induced coma. Roger had called Rachel the night before and told her he wasn't able to come and be with her. For more information on Snippet Sunday, a Facebook group, click here > Rachel finally stepped aside, uncertainty warring with need. And then he held her, enfolding her in his arms. She stiffened, protecting her heart from the warmth his presence provided. But he was unyielding, bracing her tightly against him, battering her senses with his strength. Without her consent, her body relaxed against Roger, reaching out for comfort. Her purse dropped to the floor. “I'm sorry, Ray,” his deep voice whispered in her ear. “Todd called me. I know Angela has a wee bit more than just a few scrapes.” “Todd?” “You know Todd—my friend? Your agent let him know what was going on.” Damn her. Why did Mona have to go and tell him that? Then again, her blabbing was clearly what had brought Roger to her door. He caressed her back, and she melted even more. Maybe him being here wasn’t such a bad thing after all. Roger reached up and caressed her hair. He then kissed the top of her head and pulled back. “We need to talk.” Rachel swayed in the sudden emptiness of being alone. “About?” She hesitated to even ask. “Talks” usually took energy, something she didn’t have enough of. All she wanted was go to the hospital to be with Angela.  Is their love real or fiction?
Rachel is a teacher and a single mom who’s picked up the pieces of her life after a horrible marriage. She’d thought her ex-husband was the man of her dreams. He wasn’t. She’s moved on and written a historical romance novel, Swashbuckler, that’s been picked up by Hollywood. Rodger is an actor who doesn’t trust women. He’s made bad choices in his past that have come to haunt him in the present, especially the choice that came packaged with blond hair, large tits, and a marriage that was doomed from the start. Rodger thought they were in love—turns out his wife was a social-climber more interested in his status than his heart. He doubts there is a woman alive who can love him for who he is, and not for his fame or for the fantasy he presents to the world. Both Rachel and Rodger have been burned by love, trusting a reality that turned out only to be fantasy. Will their fear succeed at keeping them apart? Or will they break through the barriers and allow themselves to love once again? After all, sometimes reality is much sweeter than fantasy. Happy Snippet Sunday!Back in the saddle and enjoying every (limited) minute of it. Thank you so much for stopping by for Snippet Sunday. I know it's been a long time since I've participated, but I'm finally back. I'm taking an online class with Angela James, Before You Hit Send. Excellent class! And it's forcing me to edit the heck out of Take Two. For more information on Snippet Sunday, a Facebook group, click here > This week I worked on an emotionally tense scene that's been causing me problems. I think I have it now, but I could sure use some feedback! This is towards the end of the book. Rachel's young daughter, was in a car accident a few days earlier and is in a medically induced coma. Roger had called Rachel the night before and told her he wasn't able to come and be with her. Rachel's eyes hurt. Her head hurt. Her heart hurt. She sat at the kitchen table, a mug of coffee in front of her. The steam from its heat had dissipated long ago and her hands now gripped cold ceramic. She wanted to stand up, get dressed, go to the hospital to be with Angela, but her body wouldn't cooperate. There was no energy left. The clock chimed seven, startling Rachel. She could hear cars going to work in the street. Looking past the simple yellow curtains, she watched the couple next door walking Daisy, their spry two-year-old golden retriever. I have to tell them I'm back. And go pick up my mail. And pay my rent. And water my plants. Retreating to a familiar, emotionless place of making lists and organizing her life, Rachel's pain began to ease. Focus on what needs to be done. With the new mantra in her mind, Rachel nuked her coffee back into existence and hurried to get herself out of the house. By the time she threw open the front door, she was determined to fight through the day with courage. Rachel almost ran into Roger. He was standing in the doorway, his hand raised as if he’d been about to knock. Startled, she jumped back.  Is their love real or fiction?
Rachel is a teacher and a single mom who’s picked up the pieces of her life after a horrible marriage. She’d thought her ex-husband was the man of her dreams. He wasn’t. She’s moved on and written a historical romance novel, Swashbuckler, that’s been picked up by Hollywood. Rodger is an actor who doesn’t trust women. He’s made bad choices in his past that have come to haunt him in the present, especially the choice that came packaged with blond hair, large tits, and a marriage that was doomed from the start. Rodger thought they were in love—turns out his wife was a social-climber more interested in his status than his heart. He doubts there is a woman alive who can love him for who he is, and not for his fame or for the fantasy he presents to the world. Both Rachel and Rodger have been burned by love, trusting a reality that turned out only to be fantasy. Will their fear succeed at keeping them apart? Or will they break through the barriers and allow themselves to love once again? After all, sometimes reality is much sweeter than fantasy. Welcome to Snippet Sunday! I'm sharing a short story for the next few weeks that I wrote back in 2012. People say you can’t die in your dreams. I’ve died twice. Siren’s Opus is based on one of those dreams. Enjoy! And please make sure to go visit the other snippets at the Facebook group > https://www.facebook.com/groups/SnippetSunday/ A thump-thump sound of bone knocking music infested her space and drowned out the soothing voice of public radio trying to come out of her one working speaker. She turned the volume button to the right. Maybe it was time for a new sound system. Who was she kidding? She could barely afford the gas to get to work. Tipping her head slightly to the side, she snuck a peek at the noise offender. A sleek, shiny red, convertible – with a douchebag driver, most likely. She glanced into the car for confirmation. Shit! The driver grinned at her, dark glasses framing a chiseled face. A tumble of dark hair brushed his shoulders, waves so perfect they belonged in a shampoo commercial. Douchebag, maybe, but a very sexy one. He moved the glasses down, giving her one of those stares. She knew that look. That I'd-like-to-fuck-you stare. She answered the challenge with a teasing grin. Nothing wrong with flirting with a hot man before work.
Welcome to #SnippetSunday! Thank you so much for stopping by. Make sure to visit the other amazing authors of the Snippet Sunday Facebook group.
I'm continuing on where we left off last week. This is from my WIP, Gold Digger, an 1880s California historical. This scene takes place in the Sierra mountains. Winnie is my protagonist who has run away from a marriage of convenience to learn how to dig for gold - a fantasy she'd had since she was a child. She's been in the mountains for almost three months by this point. Tibbs, the other character in the scene, is her uncle. Hope you enjoy! “Winnie, Winnie, wake up.” The voice came from far away. Her head hurt, an ache that ricocheted around her skull. Her arm throbbed. This must be what it’s like to be hit by a stagecoach. “There ya are. Wake up now.” Winnie worked her eyes open and saw Tibbs bent down over her. Worry was etched deep in his old face. “What in the hell have you been up to?! I leave you alone for a minute and you done gone shot a bear.” |
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