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Preorder Giveaway

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Preorder

THE PATH

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a Kindle Fire HD 6!

The Path, A Crystal Cove Romance #3, comes out Tuesday, August 25th. Preorder byKindle Fire HD 6 11:30 PM EDT on August 24th, fill out this form, and you’ll be eligible to win a Kindle Fire HD 6 8GB!

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Abby Donavan came to the small beach community of Crystal Cove to start over. After a painful affair broke her heart and derailed her burgeoning career, taking over management for the just-opened bed-and-breakfast was the safe choice. In this sleepy town, Abby figured she could bury her memories and forget the pain.

When the chance to have her own hotel falls into her lap, though, she can’t resist the temptation. Making the old Riverside Inn into the showplace she’s always dreamed of running offers the second chance she never expected.

Abby didn’t expect another kind of second chance to land on her doorstep at the same time. Ryland Kent wants to help her bring the Riverside back to life, and his passion for restoration is irresistible. But as much as she wants to ignore it, she can’t help seeing another spark in his eyes . . . one that offers to reignite her own flame.

Sometimes the path to a happily-ever-after is anything but smooth.

 

 

 

 

Winner will be announced September 15, 2015. No purchase necessary; to enter without purchase, send name and address on a 4×8 paper to Tawdra Kandle, PO Box 195631, Winter Springs, FL 32719. Entry must be received by September 1, 2015.

A Sneak Peek of THE PATH

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THE PATH releases next week, August 25th~but you get a sneak preview today!

Abby Donavan came to the small beach community of Crystal Cove to start over. After a painful affair broke her heart and derailed her burgeoning career, taking over management for the just-opened bed-and-breakfast was the safe choice. In this sleepy town, Abby figured she could bury her memories and forget the pain.

When the chance to have her own hotel falls into her lap, though, she can’t resist the temptation. Making the old Riverside Inn into the showplace she’s always dreamed of running offers the second chance she never expected.

Abby didn’t expect another kind of second chance to land on her doorstep at the same time. Ryland Kent wants to help her bring the Riverside back to life, and his passion for restoration is irresistible. But as much as she wants to ignore it, she can’t help seeing another spark in his eyes . . . one that offers to reignite her own flame.

Sometimes the path to a happily-ever-after is anything but smooth.

***

“Hmmm.” Jude nodded. “Cooper told me there was some kind of mix-up with the spa plans. He said you handled it, though.”
Mentally I rolled my eyes. I should’ve known that Cooper would tell Logan and Jude about anything that might affect their property. “Oh, it was just a misunderstanding. I took care of it, and everything’s set now.”
“Wonderful.” She retied her apron, making the knot at the back of her neck a little more secure. “You know, Ab, Logan and I did a lot of research before we hired Ryland Kent. We wanted him because he’s the best in the business. He’s young, sure, but his talent and reputation are better than contractors twice his age. He’s got vision.”
I tried not to cringe. Had Cooper said something else? Did Ryland complain about me, either to Coop or directly to Logan?
“That being said . . . he’s a man. And I’ve been a work- ing woman long enough to know that no matter how en-
lightened a man can be, there’re times when he might try to bully a woman. He might not even realize it; some men just think their plans and ideas make more sense, so they believe they’re doing us a favor by pushing for their own way. I’m not saying Ryland’s doing that.” Jude held up one hand as I opened my mouth. “And I’m not asking you to rat him out, or gripe about him. I know you, Abby. That’s not your style. You’d grit your teeth and get through it until you’d have nothing left but bleeding gums, rather than ask for help or say someone’s giving you trouble. But I want you to keep in mind that I’ve got your back. Logan and I believe in you. We trust you. And in our book, you are the final word on anything that happens at the Riverside.”
It was mortifying to realize my eyes were filled with tears. I never cried. I hadn’t in years, and most certainly not in any work-related situation. I was a Donavan, and Donavans were tough. I could almost hear my father’s voice.
But Jude’s support was more important than I’d known. Hearing her affirm that she and Logan would back me in a show-down with Ryland took a weight off my shoulders that I hadn’t realized I was carrying. I swallowed hard and raised my eyes to meet Jude’s.
“Thank you. Really, you have no idea how much that means to me. You and Logan have been my lifesavers these past few years, and I don’t know what I would’ve done without you.” I let a moment of silence pass as I collected myself. “But everything’s fine with the contractor. I can hold my own. And I think he gets that now.”
“I’m sure he does.” Jude’s voice held more than a trace of amusement. “I can’t see anyone getting the better of you,
Abby. Ryland’s a good guy, I think. Cooper likes him, and that speaks volumes, since Coop doesn’t really like anyone outside the posse.”
I smiled. It was a long-playing joke among the group of friends that Cooper Davis didn’t play well with others. He could be gruff, sure, and he didn’t suffer fools. I knew that. But then, neither did I. The difference was that while Cooper was seen as being an eccentric artist, the same traits in me apparently made me a bitch. Oh, well.
“He’s pretty cute, too.” Jude added those last words with a sly glance my way. “His arms . . . wow. Well, I’ve got a thing for arms. And those dark eyes? Mmmmm.”
I gave her wide eyes and shook my head. “Jude, you’re a married woman. Really. What would Logan say?”
“He’d say I can look as long as I know whose bed I’m in every night. And I might be married, but I’m far from dead. I also happen to have some single friends, so I keep my eyes open. Ryland Kent looks like he could be a lot of fun.”
I slid off the barstool. This conversation was taking a turn down a road that I’d blocked off a long time ago. There were dangerous potholes there, and I wasn’t in the state of mind to navigate them this morning. “Well, good luck with that. I hope you can find the right single friend for Mr. Kent.”
“I think I already did. Abby, you haven’t had even one date since you moved to the Cove. At least, not as far as I know, which means you’d have to be playing it pretty close to the chest, since nothing happens in Crystal Cove without someone finding out. Why not take a second look at Ryland? Sounds like the sparks are there already.”
I rolled my shoulders, trying to release the tension that had suddenly seized them. “First of all, I’m not looking for a man. Or a relationship. Or even a one-night hookup, if you want to sound like Emmy. Second, if I were looking, it wouldn’t be with anyone from work. Been there, done that, still have the scars. And third, Ryland Kent is younger than me. Considerably younger. He’s not interested in someone like me. Trust me on that.”
Jude sighed. “Abby, you’re hardly ancient. Hell, I’m over ten years older than you and I’m not ancient. Ryland would be stupid not to think you’re incredibly hot. As for the fact that you’re not looking . . . trust me, sweetie. It happens whether you’re looking or not, and more often than not, the guy you fall for isn’t the one your logical brain would choose.”
“And on that note, I need to get to work.” I pulled out my phone to check the time. “My boss is a real stickler for punctuality, and I don’t want to be late. Thanks for the coffee, Jude. See you later on.”
“Don’t forget to send me that info on the winery.” She called the words after me, and I paused to look back, waving to show I’d heard her.
“And don’t forget to check out Ryland’s arms, either. His chest is pretty smokin’, too. Oh and his ass—”
I clapped my hands over my ears and hummed loudly as I pushed through the swinging screen door that led to the parking lot. I probably looked ridiculous, but desperate times and all that. I didn’t need the mental image of the res-toration specialist’s finer points haunting me all day long.

 

Find out what happens next . . . and follow The Path to happily-ever-after! Preorder today.

iBooks/Amazon/Nook/Google Play/Kobo/All Romance Reads/Smashwords

 

Get Your Ereader Beach Ready!

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Twenty fabulous beach stories, each prices at 99 cents or less! Wow!! Get them now. . .and be ready when you hit the sand and surf!

The Opposite of Wild by Kylie Gilmore

Unleash the wild woman…?

Ex-cop Ryan O’Hare takes one look at buttoned-up control freak Liz Garner and just itches to loosen the woman up. Not that he’s into her. Because a woman like that comes with way too many expectations. Not to mention, she practically works for him, and he didn’t hire Liz to watch after his beloved Harley-stealing Gran so he could turn Liz loose in his bed. Still, there’s something about her, a hidden wild side, that makes him wonder what it would take.
More Than a Kiss by Stacey Joy Netzel

When a kiss is more than a kiss…
 
Something about Sadie drew Zach—and it wasn’t just the amazing kisses they shared during the filming of his commercial. A twist of fate brings them back together in his office, where he discovers she’s a struggling reporter, and she learns he’s a reclusive self-made millionaire. Will his discovery of her mother’s gold-digger history raise enough doubt to undermine his belief in her and break her heart?
The Posse by Tawdra Kandle

After her husband’s death, Jude’s left with her family’s beach restaurant and two nearly-grown children. The last thing she’s looking for is another chance at love.

However, if her husband’s best friends, the Posse, have anything to say about it, love is just what she’s going to get. When they decide the best way to take care of her is for one of them to sweep her off her feet, three begin to vie for her affections. But only one can reach her heart.
The Love I Want to Be In by MJ Fredrick
Love and Rumors by Jean Oram

One photographer who needs money—fast. One movie star with an offer as tempting as his bad boy smile. Can Hailey Summer, who has remortgaged her entire life, save her family’s historic cottage before it’s seized by the taxman by selling out celebrity Finian Alexander? Or will Finian’s own plans for Hailey put the two of them in the tabloids–together?
Cowboy Command by Olivia Jaymes
Bargaining with the Bride by Allison Gatta
Love in a Small Town (Pine Harbour #1) by Zoe York
Temptation (Club X #1) by K.M. Scott
The Other Fighter, part 1 by Tawny Stokes
Behind Closed Doors (Daniels Brothers #1) by Sherri Hayes
Aloha Texas by Chris Keniston
Relatively Famous by Heather C. Leigh

*****Warning*****
This is NOT your typical Hollywood romance. 
When 24 year-old Sydney Allen, the reclusive daughter of famous movie stars, meets the gorgeous but mysterious Drew Forrester at a run down gym in Hell’s Kitchen, her life changes. It’s time for her to decide if he’s worth sharing her identity with, or if she’s better off being alone forever. Or maybe she’ll find out that she’s not the only one hiding something. Dating Drew, Sydney is forced to confront all of her fears at once; celebrity, fame, tabloids, stalkers. Can she survive another high profile exposure to the world?
Miami Dreams by Layla Wilcox

Starting over in theMagic City means believing in second chances when none seem possible.

Recent widow Deena Montgomery answers a model call for a newlingerie line, thinking she is leaving a life built on lies behind her.Photographer Ben “Hottie” Hoddi wants to help her get the job, but doing somight reveal a secret in his past, and Deena has made it very clear that hernew life demands transparency.

The sparks begin to fly as moreexperienced models vie for the spokesperson role. Can Hoddi help Deena withoutrevealing his secret? Can the disillusioned and heartbroken Deena resist thecharms of the handsome, magnetic photographer? Miami Beach never felt asscorching hot to Deena as under these spotlights.
Rebound (Tryst Island Series #1) by Sabrina York
Come Home to Me by Jessica Scott
Sucked into Love by Rochelle Paige

It’s just Jocelyn’s luck that she meets her match at a fake bachelorette party… She knows better than to get pulled into any of her best friend’s antics – especially when it means playing bachelorette for the night!

No man ever wants to be knocked off his feet by a woman he meets while she’s wearing a “suck for a buck” shirt… Andrew knows he wants Jocelyn the moment he lays eyes on her, but he’s never been one to poach on another man’s territory. Imagine his surprise when he sees her again, only to discover she isn’t married and was never engaged.
Smitten by Jamie Ferrell

Dahlia Mallard is determined save her ice cream shop by gettingcountry music superstar Billy Brenton to attend her risqué flavor-tastingevent. But the closest she can get to Billy is his drummer, the womanizingMikey Diamond. The more she gets to know Mikey, the more she wants to save himfrom his bad boy ways. When he discovers she’s using him to get to Billy, willshe still be able to have her ice cream and eat it too?
Can’t Shake You by Molly McLain
Pros & Cons by Sydney Logan

Con artists Jenna York and Ethan Summers always seem to cross paths during their travels around the world. With their partners in tow, the cunning criminals wreak havoc across the globe, stealing from the rich and giving to the richer. While Jenna tries to convince herself that she sees him as nothing more than a professional rival, Ethan finds it a little harder to fight his attraction to the beautiful thief.

When tragedy strikes, Jenna and Ethan join forces, but are the stakes too high? Can they escape this last job with their lives—and their hearts—intact?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE PATH Teaser #Tuesday

I love when I’m able to spend a good solid amount of time in one ‘world’. Being in Crystal Cove this summer has been magical!

Since The Path is the next release, I thought I’d give you a little tidbit of it today. Enjoy some Abby and Ryland.

 

***

“Why were you in the hotel?” The question jolted my attention back to her.

“I thought we’d established that. Because I’m going to work on it. Restore it.”

She waved her hand. “Yes, yes, I know that. I meant, if there’s a rule against being there alone, why were you?”

I shook my head. “I wanted to take another look without anyone to distract me. There were a few things I’d noticed but hadn’t
had time to check on more closely.”

“But it’s against the rules.” The certainty in her voice told me more about the woman who stood in front of me. She was a rule-Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000035_00020]follower. A good girl. Not someone I should be messing with, and definitely not my type.

But on the other hand, good girls could be lots of fun, once I brought them around to my way of thinking.

I grinned and stepped closer to her, just enough that I was in her space. I could tell she wanted to move back, but she didn’t. She stood her ground, daring me to try something. Anything.

I reached down as though I was going to touch her cheek, but at the last minute, I circled my hand around to grab her pony tail, giving it a sharp tug.

“Honey, don’t you know rules are made to be broken?”

Pre-order The Path here! Release date is August 24th.

iBooks/Amazon/Nook/Kobo/Google Play/All Romance Reads/Smashwords

 

Everybody needs a little time away . . .

Chicago had it exactly right.

One of my goals as an author this year was using this gorgeous website, posting daily in the various categories and keeping everything updated. And for quite a long time, I was good about it. Having the categories to keep me on the straight and narrow really helped.

And then June came.

June meant finishing writing The Plan. Gearing up for the release of the box set. Working on book-related business, including Indie BookFest, and attending two book events. Whew!

I’m happy to say that I’m back, but I’m also glad I gave myself that break when things got crazy.

But enough about that. Today I want to share with you a little about the thin and hazy line between real life and fiction.

Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000035_00020]If you’ve been following me for a while, you might remember that The Posse was my first non-YA, non-paranormal novel. I never intended to write it; once I’d finished with The King Series, I fully intended to write Rafe’s book and then Nell’s. Contemporary romance was never part of the plan. Then one day, I was driving home from New Smyrna Beach, a small beach town on Florida’s east coast. We’d just begun going there, since we’d moved over to the east side of the greater Orlando area; prior to that, most of our beaching had been done on the Gulf coast. But after a few visits to NSB, I fell in love with the quaint little town. It felt very much like home.

On this day, I hadn’t been thinking about books or stories, but something must’ve been lurking in the back of my head, because as I drove home, most of the plot for The Posse fell into my lap. I knew Jude’s name. I knew her late husband’s name. I knew how many kids she had, all about her friends . . . and about her family restaurant. Suddenly, it seemed, I was writing a contemporary romance novel for adults, since there was nary a paranormal element and the leads were most definitely grown-up.

I returned to NSB often during the process of writing The Posse, and slowly parts of the town made it into the story. One was a sweet B & B that was being rebuilt and restored. In the book, this bed and breakfast was the last planned project for Jude’s late husband Daniel and his best friend Logan. Jude’s involved in the final stages and the opening of the Hawthorne House during the course of the story.

For the last two years, I’ve walked past the Hawthorne House–or the Inn on the Avenue, as it’s known in so-called real life–watching its growth and evolution. We stay in NSB fairly frequently, but it never worked out to stay at the B & B until last night.

As I type this post, I’m actually still in bed in the beautiful Starfish Room at the Inn. It’s a lovely spot, welcoming and IMG_0005friendly, and I’m thrilled that we actually were able to do this. But I’d be lying if I said there hadn’t been a surreal aspect to being here.

As a writer, my characters are very real to me. I can tell you all about the house where Tasmyn Vaughn lived in King. I can describe the dorm where Julia and Ava lived at Birch College. I could walk you all around the Reynolds’ family farm in Burton, Georgia. And I’ve definitely pictured The Hawthorne House Bed and Breakfast in Crystal Cove. So walking into the Inn on the Avenue, my brain was reeling, trying to reconcile how I’d seen the house with reality. To be honest, it wasn’t really that different. There are a few minor changes, sure, but overall . . . being here as been oddly like stepping into one of my make-believe worlds.

IMG_0008I half-expect to see Abby come around the corner and ask me if I like my room. Maybe Emmy will stop in to deliver some pies or breakfast pastries. Jude could pop over from the Tide to say hello before Logan comes in to pick her up. And there are a few other characters you’ll meet or get to know better during The Path who might wander in.

Will some of the ‘real’ Inn and New Smyrna creep into the Crystal Cove romances a little more? Perhaps. But in most ways, Crystal Cove will continue to be its own lovely, enchanted spot, a place where families grow and men and women live and love.

And that’s this author’s life today.