Wednesday, January 31, 2018

EXCERPT: PROTECTED HEARTS


Page for BUY LINKS





Emma Starr pulled the last book out of the cardboard box and put it on the shelf with the rest of the books she had just shelved. She stared at the romance books and sighed. Normally she loved stocking new books, especially romance books, and setting up the small displays throughout her bookstore. It gave her a chance to daydream about her future…a future just a couple of years ago she never dreamed she would have. But today she was struggling to keep her mind on the daily tasks needed to run the store and away from the nightmares she started having a few nights ago.

For several weeks her nights had been filled with wonderfully hot dreams starring a very sexy bear shifter—a bear shifter who was her heart’s mate. Emma smiled. The goddess hadn’t forgotten about her like her aunt and cousin were constantly telling her as she grew up in their house.

Emma was excited and couldn’t wait to finally meet her mate. She hoped he would be able to look past the scars running down the left side of her face and disappearing under her clothes. For years she had protected herself and her heart from the cruelty of others especially her aunt and cousin who she was forced to live with after her parents were killed in the car wreck that had left her with the scars.

But as much as she worried about what her mate thought about her scars, she had a much bigger worry that was eating away at her heart and soul.

Her mate was in mortal danger.


Monday, January 29, 2018

Weekly Quote


If you don't like something, change it. 
If you can't change it, change your attitude.
--Maya Angelou


Monday, January 22, 2018

Weekly Quote


Your goals are the road maps that guide you 
and show you what is possible for your life.
--Les Brown

Saturday, January 20, 2018

Cover Reveal: PROTECTED HEARTS by Rayne Rachels

The first three weeks of the new year have been really busy for me. I've been working hard to finish one project and taking the steps to start a couple new ones.

In a few days I will start uploading PROTECTED HEARTS (Durant Brothers #2). Once the BUY link goes live, I will start posting them.



Monday, January 15, 2018

Weekly Quote


Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude
 from achieving his goal; 
nothing on earth can help the man 
with the wrong mental attitude.
--Thomas Jefferson


Saturday, January 13, 2018

Random Thoughts: Shopping Trip, Planners and Writing

I went to Hobby Lobby today. Let's face it. That store is very good on my wallet. LOL! I find too many things that I want or rather must have. I had one specific thing I was looking for (because I couldn't find it at the Walmart here in San Marcos). I wanted a set of calligraphy markers. I didn't find the exact ones I was looking for, but I found a set that I think will work. And of course, I gravitated to the sticker and planner sections. But first, I took a detour by the clearance wall.

I found a Happy Planner Classic Trendsetter and a Happy Planner Glam Girl mini on clearance. When I first saw the Trendsetters, I debated about getting one, but at the time didn't. I grabbed it today. The mini planner is a first for me. I've looked at them but wasn't sure if I would use it. I figured I might as well try it because it will easily fit in my purse.

I've already pulled out the first month of the Trendsetter and put it into my Classic size Frankened planner.  I'm thinking of putting my daily To Do list in it and then pulling the top three as my goals in my other section. With the pages I've added, the planner is becoming a good blend of bullet journal, planner, and notebook.

I went through some of the computer files I have on the laptop that I was using before I got my MacPro. The laptop still works, but the battery will not charge so basically it acts as a desktop. While going through the files, I found a Christmas story that I had started sometime ago but hadn't finished. I printed out the file and read through it. I'm debating if I should finish it or not. It is a second chance love story, but it is not a paranormal. Would you be interested in reading a non-paranormal romance? If I finish the story, it wouldn't be released until sometime in November/December 2018.

Protected Hearts is now in revisions/edits. I hope to have it back and ready to publish before my birthday at the end of the month.

This winter has been crazy. We're experiencing another cold front. The temperature is currently 29F. Here in Texas, it's been a bit of a rollercoaster ride with the temperatures.

Stay safe and warm.


Monday, January 8, 2018

Release Day Blitz: EXECUTIVE INK by Carrie Ann Ryan

You can get your hands on EXECUTIVE INK by Carrie Ann Ryan today! Find out more about this sexy release from Carrie Ann Ryan and pick up your copy now!

 

 


About EXECUTIVE INK

Ashylnn didn't want him…she craved him. That was her first mistake, but not her last. She's the boss of her life and decisions. She doesn’t have time for a bearded, inked man. But he may just make her yearn for it.

Jax thought it would only be for one night but now he wants more. She’s the straight-laced executive to his leather-and-jeans life, and she makes him desire more. She is so much more. But how much, he may never know.

Author Note: Executive Ink is a Montgomery Ink short story and a little different than what you’re used to from me. It’s shorter than my other novellas at only ~12,000 words. It has a complete HEA, and is perfect for a steamy evening, one-sitting read.

Executive Ink was previously published in the Alphas of Danger Anthology.

Get your hands on EXECUTIVE INK now!

✦Amazon http://amzn.to/2BnTD0Z
✦iBooks http://apple.co/2BEj5zq
✦Barnes & Noble http://bit.ly/2BGyizU
✦Kobo http://bit.ly/2kLfs4j
✦Google Play http://bit.ly/2zl6K17
✦Amazon Paperback http://amzn.to/2CFAzeU

 


 

Find out more about SECOND CHANCE INK, a newsletter exclusive Montgomery In romance, here!

 

About Carrie Ann Ryan

Carrie Ann Ryan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary and paranormal romance. Her works include the Montgomery Ink, Redwood Pack, Talon Pack, and Gallagher Brothers series, which have sold over 2.0 million books worldwide. She started writing while in graduate school for her advanced degree in chemistry and hasn’t stopped since. Carrie Ann has written over fifty novels and novellas with more in the works. When she’s not writing about bearded tattooed men or alpha wolves that need to find their mates, she’s reading as much as she can and exploring the world of baking and gourmet cooking.

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Weekly Quote


The new year stands before us, 
like a chapter in a book, 
waiting to be written. 
We can help write that story by setting goals.
--Melody Beattie


Friday, January 5, 2018

2018 GOALS

The new year is a time for new beginnings. It's a chance to take a look at what you've did over the previous year and make plans for the new year.

A lot of people make resolutions for the new year. I've never like the word resolutions. I've always thought of it as a weak word. Resolutions are easy to make and even easier to break. I gave up making resolutions years ago. Instead I set out my goals or my plan of action for the new year.

This year I've added two new things to my GOALS.

Motto for the New Year:
Live, Love, and Laugh each day as if it is the last!

Word for the New Year:
PRODUCTIVE

My 2018 Goals:

  1. Health
    • Walk more.
    • Avoid processed foods as much as possible.
    • Eat more protein, fruits and veggies.
  2. Writing
    • Create a writing/book schedule.
    • Write 10 books this year.
    • Continue posting blogs on a regular basis.
    • Post more to Instagram and Facebook.
  3. Other
    • Read 36 new books.
    • Purge, declutter and organize.
    • Have fun!
In some areas I've set the bar high, but that gives me something to reach for this year. Each month I'll break down the goals to make them more manageable. I also have several financial goals, but those tend to be the more uninteresting stuff, but something I am tackling this year.

To help me achieve my goals, I bought two Happy Planners because with the disc system I can incorporate the bullet journal layouts that I was using, but I don't have to spend the extra time creating monthly and weekly layouts. They are already done which leaves me time to focus on the other stuff. All I have to do each month is print out the layouts I'm adding in and I'm ready to go. I'm recreating the bullet journal layouts on the computer so I can just print them out.

One planner is just for writing related stuff. Being able to insert and take things out or just move them as needed will make future planning much easier. (I will post pictures.)  I've already added in monthly blog schedules for the first three months. I did post a picture of the blog sheet on Instagram.

The second planner is for everything else and journaling. This planner has a horizontal weekly layout. One of the layouts I had in my bullet journal was a daily summary. In this planner, I'll reserve the last three lines each day for summary/memory stuff. I have note inserts that I bought at Walmart (part of the IQ 360 line) which are perfect for grocery lists and other short lists. I can also take the note packs from Targets dollar section and punch them to use in the planner. I have an IQ 360 hole punch. And yes, I have stickers. You can't have a planner without stickers. LOL!



Wednesday, January 3, 2018

WHISKEY SECRETS by Carrie Ann Ryan


About WHISKEY SECRETS (Whiskey and Lies #1)

Sparks fly between a former cop-turned-bartender and his new innkeeper in the first installment of a Montgomery Ink spin-off series from NYT Bestselling Author Carrie Ann Ryan.
Dare Collins is a man who knows his whiskey and women—or at least that’s what he tells himself. When his family decides to hire on a new innkeeper for the inn above his bar and restaurant, he’s more than reluctant. Especially when he meets the new hire. But he’ll soon find that he has no choice but to work with this city girl and accept her new ideas and the burning attraction between them.
Kenzie Owens left her old life and an abusive relationship behind her—or so she thought. She figures she’ll be safe in Whiskey, Pennsylvania but after one look at her new boss, Dare Collins, she might still be in danger, or at least her heart. And when her past catches up with her despite her attempts to avoid it, it’s more than her heart on the line. This time, it might mean her life.
Get your hands on WHISKEY SECRETS now!
Barnes & Noble http://bit.ly/2tkoES5
Google Play http://bit.ly/2stO9gP
Amazon Paperback http://amzn.to/2nHuho9

See the WHISKEY SECRETS Trailer:





About Carrie Ann Ryan

Carrie Ann Ryan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary and paranormal romance. Her works include the Montgomery Ink, Redwood Pack, Talon Pack, and Gallagher Brothers series, which have sold over 2.0 million books worldwide. She started writing while in graduate school for her advanced degree in chemistry and hasn’t stopped since. Carrie Ann has written over fifty novels and novellas with more in the works. When she’s not writing about bearded tattooed men or alpha wolves that need to find their mates, she’s reading as much as she can and exploring the world of baking and gourmet cooking.

Tuesday, January 2, 2018

Release Day: WHISKEY SECRETS by Carrie Ann Ryan

WHISKEY SECRETS by Carrie Ann Ryan, the first book in her new WHISEY & LIES series, is available today! Read a sneak peek below and pick up your copy today!





About WHISKEY SECRETS (Whiskey and Lies #1)

Sparks fly between a former cop-turned-bartender and his new innkeeper in the first installment of a Montgomery Ink spin-off series from NYT Bestselling Author Carrie Ann Ryan.
Dare Collins is a man who knows his whiskey and women—or at least that’s what he tells himself. When his family decides to hire on a new innkeeper for the inn above his bar and restaurant, he’s more than reluctant. Especially when he meets the new hire. But he’ll soon find that he has no choice but to work with this city girl and accept her new ideas and the burning attraction between them.
Kenzie Owens left her old life and an abusive relationship behind her—or so she thought. She figures she’ll be safe in Whiskey, Pennsylvania but after one look at her new boss, Dare Collins, she might still be in danger, or at least her heart. And when her past catches up with her despite her attempts to avoid it, it’s more than her heart on the line. This time, it might mean her life.
Get your hands on WHISKEY SECRETS now!
Barnes & Noble http://bit.ly/2tkoES5
Google Play http://bit.ly/2stO9gP
Amazon Paperback http://amzn.to/2nHuho9

Get a sneak peek of WHISKEY SECRETS:



Once again, Kenzie had no idea if she was making the smartest of moves, but she wasn’t about to back down now. Though it was September, the weather fluctuated between stifling humid and hot to downright chilly. Right now, it was a pleasant day where she didn’t feel like she was walking through a wall of humidity, nor did she need a jacket. Between that and the bright sun and tiny dots of clouds above her, it was a pretty nice afternoon.

“This is the main drag for the town.” Dare gestured at the street. “It’s pretty much a straight line except for one part where it curves over the bridge. The creek below that only starts pumping real good after a storm or right when the run-off from the mountains begins to melt. Other than that, it’s a decent trickle that tourists like for selfies.”

As Kenzie herself had taken a selfie in front of the creek for her personal album of memories, she ignored the humor in his voice at the comment. She’d told herself she would start taking more photos and enjoy where she was and who she was now that she was free of everything that had held her back for so long.

“It’s a beautiful town,” she said simply, and she was being honest about that. Everyone took great care of their buildings and businesses. There were coffee shops, teahouses, bakeries, restaurants, antique shops, clothing stores, and a couple dozen other shops that catered to practically every need. Everything was unique and could only be found in Whiskey.

And now, she was part of it.

“It’s home.” Apparently, Dare wasn’t a man of many words today.

They walked another block in easy silence, and Kenzie sighed. She hated feeling awkward.

“So, have you always lived here?”

He looked down at her and studied her face as they waited at the crosswalk. “No. I lived in Philly for a few years.”

“Big city,” she said dryly then immediately regretted it. Weren’t they supposed to be friends now? Or at least friendly?

He snorted before stuffing his hands into his pockets. She couldn’t help but notice the way his forearms tightened at the movement. She shouldn’t be noticing the man’s arms, damn it. Nor should she think forearms were sexy.

She’d come to Whiskey for herself, and had sworn off men and relationships. That meant no more looking at Dare Collins’ arms and the way he filled out his jeans.

“Sorry about that. Like I said, I had a rough night and took it out on you.”

“You already apologized. Let’s get back to the bar. I know you have to work, and I have paperwork to go over.”

His jaw tightened as he studied her. “Starting already?”

She raised her chin and then cursed herself for doing so yet again in front of this man. He set her on edge, and she wasn’t sure if it was because they kept bumping heads or because she found him attractive when she didn’t want to.

“I’m here to help your parents, Dare, and to do a job.”

“I know you are.” He turned away from her, giving her his profile. “And I’m glad my parents are taking a step back to actually try and relax. I’m just not a fan of change. Hell, I hate it, and I hate surprises even more.”

That, she could totally understand. “I hate surprises, too. As for change? Well, sometimes, change is good.” She was living proof of that, wasn’t she?

“That’s true enough, but it doesn’t mean I’m quick to like it.” He stared at her, and she blinked at the intensity. There was something there, she thought, some heat she couldn’t quite name, and it worried her. Was he attracted to her? Or was that flare because she represented that change he wasn’t ready for?

Either way, it didn’t matter; thinking too hard along those lines when it came to Dare wasn’t something she could do.

“But I guess it doesn’t matter, does it?” Dare continued. “As for your new job? I’ll be around if you need help. I don’t know everything about the inn since I have my own two business to handle, but I can probably at least point you in the right direction. And if you’re looking for upgrades like you mentioned? Talk to Loch. I know he’s family, but he’s damn good at handyman work and carpentry when he puts his mind to it. He hasn’t done much on the inn since our parents weren’t ready to update yet, but Loch’s good at what he does.”

Surprised, she found herself nodding. She’d already heard from her new employers about Loch and how he could help, and she was glad to know that the family stood together no matter what. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

“You do that, Red.”

She rolled her eyes. “My name’s Kenzie.”

“I know. I like Red too, though. Plus, it’s fun to see you get all rattled when I call you that.”

And she found this man attractive? She was seriously losing it. It must just be the nonexistent heat talking. Once she was fully immersed in her new job and life, she wouldn’t be thinking about Dare and those sexy forearms of his again.

At least, she hoped.


See the WHISKEY SECRETS Trailer:





About Carrie Ann Ryan

Carrie Ann Ryan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary and paranormal romance. Her works include the Montgomery Ink, Redwood Pack, Talon Pack, and Gallagher Brothers series, which have sold over 2.0 million books worldwide. She started writing while in graduate school for her advanced degree in chemistry and hasn’t stopped since. Carrie Ann has written over fifty novels and novellas with more in the works. When she’s not writing about bearded tattooed men or alpha wolves that need to find their mates, she’s reading as much as she can and exploring the world of baking and gourmet cooking.