It has been a while since I did a Sneak Peek Sunday. If you're not familiar with this weekly blog hop, it's simple. Authors post a six paragraph excerpt from a published story or a work in progress.
This is Memorial Day weekend, which around my house means auto racing weekend. My husband is a life-long motor sports fan, so he will be glued to the TV most of the weekend. Indycar is his favorite venue, but it's not the only race this weekend. Formula One is running the fabled Monaco Grand Prix this Sunday, with cars racing through the streets of Monte Carlo. So I thought I'd post a peek from Worth The Risk, the contemporary romance I co-wrote with my friend Anne Farrell.
If you're not familiar with Formula One, it is the premier world-class racing circuit, also known as Grand Prix Racing, as every event in the circuit is called a Grand Prix. Very upper class, jet-setting kind of circuit with races all over the world, from Europe to Australia to China to Abu Dhabi. Last year I wrote a short post about auto racing, if you're interested in some background.
The hero of Worth The Risk is a former Formula One driver who retired after a bad crash that left him with a bum knee.
In this scene, Mitch has taken Amanda to a sports bar for lunch:
He leaned close to her so he could be heard above the noise of the televised World Series game. “Well, what do you think? Quite a place, isn’t it?”
Amanda nodded. It was quite a place indeed. Six large-screen televisions were placed strategically so that every customer had a clear view of the action. Football helmets and jerseys lined the walls above them, and what looked like an actual racecar hung on the brick wall in the far corner.
“Is that real?” she asked Mitch.
“Yep, it’s real all right,” he replied. “It’s part of the body of a Formula 1 car.”
Amanda stared at it, thinking how incredibly small it looked. She wondered if this was the kind of car he’d been driving when he had his accident.
For the first time Amanda was glad Marcia had made her read all those articles about Mitch. Two days ago she wouldn’t have known the name of the premier international racing circuit. Though Mitch had spent most of his career in the States, his last season had been with Formula 1, until the day his car spun out of control on a wet track in Belgium. The accident had ended his racing career and almost taken his life. According to the article she’d read, he had been in a coma for nearly a week. Now the only visible reminder of his trauma was the small scar between his brows, and the slight limp she’d noticed when he first came into the library. A sudden feeling of compassion washed over her.
Blurb:
Children's librarian Amanda Lloyd values privacy above all else. Three years ago her wedding ended in disaster when her groom was arrested at the altar and the story of the 'Embezzler's Bride' appeared in the supermarket tabloids. The experience has left her determined to avoid being caught in the public eye again. Until she meets a sexy single dad with a scandalous past.
Ex-racer Mitch Delaney is a public figure whose life has been plastered across the tabloids more than once. But he believes that anything worth doing is worth a risk. After the death of his ex-wife, he moved to Southern California to take care of his son Josh. He doesn't need the complication of a woman in his life, especially since Josh's grandparents have filed suit for custody. But Josh is on the hunt for a new mother and he has his heart set on Miss Amanda, and Mitch can't fault his son's taste.
Against her better judgment, Amanda finds herself falling for both of the Delaney men. When she agrees to accompany Mitch to a high-profile movie premiere, they draw the attention of the tabloids. Overnight Amanda’s private affair becomes very public indeed, threatening her job and Mitch’s custody suit. She’s waited twenty-eight years for the right man. But will happiness come at too high a price?
Worth The Risk is available from Amazon Kindle,
Apple,
BN/Nook,
Kobo, and Smashwords.
Linda
Use the linky list below to hop to another Sneak Peek Sunday blog post.
Showing posts with label Linda McLaughlin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Linda McLaughlin. Show all posts
Sunday, May 25, 2014
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Going to the Dogs: Worth The Risk
Worth The Risk, the contemporary romantic comedy written by Anne Farrell and me under the name Lyn O'Farrell, is on sale for a few days only at Amazon Kindle. Stick around for an excerpt below.
Blurb:
Children's librarian Amanda Lloyd values privacy above all else. Three years ago her wedding ended in disaster when her groom was arrested at the altar and the story of the 'Embezzler's Bride' appeared in the supermarket tabloids. The experience has left her determined to avoid being caught in the public eye again. Until she meets a sexy single dad with a scandalous past.
Ex-racer Mitch Delaney is a public figure whose life has been plastered across the tabloids more than once. But he believes that anything worth doing is worth a risk. After the death of his ex-wife, he moved to Southern California to take care of his son Josh. He doesn't need the complication of a woman in his life, especially since Josh's grandparents have filed suit for custody. But Josh is on the hunt for a new mother and he has his heart set on Miss Amanda, and Mitch can't fault his son's taste.
Against her better judgment, Amanda finds herself falling for both of the Delaney men. When she agrees to accompany Mitch to a high-profile movie premiere, they draw the attention of the tabloids. Overnight Amanda’s private affair becomes very public indeed, threatening her job and Mitch’s custody suit. She’s waited twenty-eight years for the right man. But will happiness come at too high a price?
Excerpt:
His head was nestled in her lap. Amanda gently smoothed back the hair that had tumbled into his eyes. He sighed contentedly and gazed at her with soulful blue eyes.
“You really are a love,” she murmured. “I can’t imagine why I was ever nervous around you.”
The living room was quiet now, except for the soft crackling of the fire. Shadows played on the walls as the flames danced in the fireplace. Dinner was over, the kitchen cleaned up, and Josh was upstairs asleep. It was the first really relaxing moment Amanda had had all day.
“Is that mutt bothering you?” Mitch asked as he stepped into the room.
“No, we’ve been getting acquainted.” She smiled and scratched Albert behind the ears. He looked up at her adoringly. Then, as if aware that three was a crowd, he sauntered over to the fireplace and flopped down with a large sigh. “Never thought I’d actually be jealous of a dog,” Mitch muttered, sitting down on the couch next to her.
Amanda laughed. “But he’s the sweetest thing.”
Mitch murmured his agreement, then said, “You’re sweet, too.”
She cocked an eyebrow at him.
“For tutoring Josh, I mean,” he said quickly.
“There’s nothing sweet about that. I expect to be paid the going rate for my efforts.”
“You will be,” he assured her, putting an arm around her shoulders. “In fact, there may even be a bonus in it.” He leaned closer, a teasing gleam in his eyes.
“What kind of a bonus did you have in mind?” Amanda knew she shouldn’t have asked when his look changed to one of desire.
Pulling her closer, he rubbed his thumb along her lower lip and her lips parted instinctively. She looked deeply into his eyes and saw a new tenderness she hadn’t seen before. Her body ached in anticipation as he continued caressing her mouth and gazing at her from hooded eyes that promised a world of pleasure in their blue depths.
Albert is an Old English Sheepdog, much like the one in this picture from my Art Explosion Clipart CD. Isn't he cute?
Worth The Risk is on sale today for 99 cents from Amazon Kindle.
Also available from Apple, Kobo, Nook and Smashwords.
Linda
Blurb:
Children's librarian Amanda Lloyd values privacy above all else. Three years ago her wedding ended in disaster when her groom was arrested at the altar and the story of the 'Embezzler's Bride' appeared in the supermarket tabloids. The experience has left her determined to avoid being caught in the public eye again. Until she meets a sexy single dad with a scandalous past.
Ex-racer Mitch Delaney is a public figure whose life has been plastered across the tabloids more than once. But he believes that anything worth doing is worth a risk. After the death of his ex-wife, he moved to Southern California to take care of his son Josh. He doesn't need the complication of a woman in his life, especially since Josh's grandparents have filed suit for custody. But Josh is on the hunt for a new mother and he has his heart set on Miss Amanda, and Mitch can't fault his son's taste.
Against her better judgment, Amanda finds herself falling for both of the Delaney men. When she agrees to accompany Mitch to a high-profile movie premiere, they draw the attention of the tabloids. Overnight Amanda’s private affair becomes very public indeed, threatening her job and Mitch’s custody suit. She’s waited twenty-eight years for the right man. But will happiness come at too high a price?
Excerpt:
His head was nestled in her lap. Amanda gently smoothed back the hair that had tumbled into his eyes. He sighed contentedly and gazed at her with soulful blue eyes.
“You really are a love,” she murmured. “I can’t imagine why I was ever nervous around you.”
The living room was quiet now, except for the soft crackling of the fire. Shadows played on the walls as the flames danced in the fireplace. Dinner was over, the kitchen cleaned up, and Josh was upstairs asleep. It was the first really relaxing moment Amanda had had all day.
“Is that mutt bothering you?” Mitch asked as he stepped into the room.
“No, we’ve been getting acquainted.” She smiled and scratched Albert behind the ears. He looked up at her adoringly. Then, as if aware that three was a crowd, he sauntered over to the fireplace and flopped down with a large sigh. “Never thought I’d actually be jealous of a dog,” Mitch muttered, sitting down on the couch next to her.
Amanda laughed. “But he’s the sweetest thing.”
Mitch murmured his agreement, then said, “You’re sweet, too.”
She cocked an eyebrow at him.
“For tutoring Josh, I mean,” he said quickly.
“There’s nothing sweet about that. I expect to be paid the going rate for my efforts.”
“You will be,” he assured her, putting an arm around her shoulders. “In fact, there may even be a bonus in it.” He leaned closer, a teasing gleam in his eyes.
“What kind of a bonus did you have in mind?” Amanda knew she shouldn’t have asked when his look changed to one of desire.
Pulling her closer, he rubbed his thumb along her lower lip and her lips parted instinctively. She looked deeply into his eyes and saw a new tenderness she hadn’t seen before. Her body ached in anticipation as he continued caressing her mouth and gazing at her from hooded eyes that promised a world of pleasure in their blue depths.
Albert is an Old English Sheepdog, much like the one in this picture from my Art Explosion Clipart CD. Isn't he cute?
Worth The Risk is on sale today for 99 cents from Amazon Kindle.
Also available from Apple, Kobo, Nook and Smashwords.
Linda
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Lady Elinor's Escape - Linda's Book Featured in the Eggcerpt Exchange
Once again, I'm participating in Tina Gayle's annual Eggcerpt Exchange, starting on March 5.
For more details, go to http://www.tinagayle.blogspot.com/2014/02/40-days-of-continuous-promotion-for.html
Lady Elinor's Escape, part of the Eggcerpt Exchange fun.
Genre: Sweet Regency Romance
Blurb:
Lady Elinor Ashworth always longed for adventure, but when she runs away from her abusive aunt, she finds more than she bargained for. Elinor fears her aunt who is irrational and dangerous, threatening Elinor and anyone she associates with. When she encounters an inquisitive gentleman, she accepts his help, but fearing for his safety, hides her identity by pretending to be a seamstress. She resists his every attempt to draw her out, all the while fighting her attraction to him.
There are too many women in barrister Stephen Chaplin’s life, but he has never been able to turn his back on a damsel in distress. The younger son of a baronet is a ‘rescuer’ of troubled females, an unusual vocation fueled guilt over his failure to save the woman he loved from her brutal husband. He cannot help falling in love with his secretive seamstress, but to his dismay, the truth of her background reveals Stephen as the ineligible party.
Now the Eggcerpt:
“Excuse me, madam, but I could not help overhearing you say that you must leave for London immediately. Allow me to introduce myself. Stephen Chaplin, Esquire, at your service.”
Elinor turned to face the gentleman who had suddenly appeared. She stared at him through a haze of black, taking advantage of her veil to get a closer look at this tall, dark-haired, seemingly well bred gentleman. He was above average height, with finely chiseled features, and while he could not, strictly speaking, be deemed handsome, there was something in the intense scrutiny of his light brown eyes that drew her to him. By the cut of his bottle green Superfine coat, which emphasized his broad shoulders, but was not so tight as to hamper movement, and his casually tied neckcloth, she surmised he was no society dandy.
“How do you do?” she said politely, extending one black-gloved hand.
“Fine, thank you.”
As he took her hand and bowed over it, Elinor savored the warmth of his touch for a moment. It had been a long time since someone had touched her out of kindness. Suddenly realizing she was clutching his hand, she withdrew hers. He studied her, his gaze seeming to penetrate the veil, and she could only stand like the veriest lump under his scrutiny.
“I beg your pardon, madam, but what did you say your name was?”
“Eli—” Elinor broke off and feigned a cough, panic bubbling up inside. Her name. Dear heavens, she needed a new name. If she told him who she was, he would never agree to take her to Mimi. She stared down at the gentleman’s yellow nankeen trousers and shiny brown boots. “Brown,” she stammered. “Ellie Brown.”
“Mrs. Brown, may I offer my assistance? I’m heading for London myself and would be pleased to convey you as far as Chippenham, where you may pick up another stage coach.”
Relief flooded through her at his offer, but could she trust him? No proper young lady rides in a closed carriage with a gentleman who is not related to her. The words of her governess rang in her ears. “I do not think—”
“Of course, you are cautious,” he interrupted smoothly. “Any genteel lady would hesitate to trust a strange gentleman.”
"But I am not a lady,” she blurted. If Aunt Sarah learned that a ‘lady’ had been here, she would know where to look for her. “I am merely a seamstress.”
"Really,” he drawled, doubt evident in his tone.
“Yes, I have a position awaiting me in London.” She was surprised, and a bit uncomfortable, at how easily the lies flowed from her lips, but they were necessary.
Lady Elinor's Escape is available at:
Amazon: http://amzn.com/B00CHSNEII
Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/lady-elinors-escape/id645217449
ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-ladyelinor039sescape-1169382-160.html
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lady-elinors-escape-linda-mclaughlin/1100559263
Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/lady-elinor-s-escape
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/312406
Online Contacts:
Website: http://www.lindamclaughlin.com
Blog: http://flightsafancy.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LindaMcLaughlinAuthor
Twitter @LyndiLamont: https://twitter.com/LyndiLamont
Thanks for letting me share.
Linda
Friday, January 10, 2014
Time Management and the Olympics
On Monday, I start an online class on Going the Distance: Goal Setting and Time Management for the Writer with Kitty Bucholtz. I'm hoping the class will give me some strategies to get myself organized and on some kind of schedule. Time management is something I've struggled with for years, and the situation isn't getting any better. In our electronic world, it's harder and harder to stay on task. Television and the Internet provide us with so many bright shiny things to watch and click on and investigate, from Facebook and YouTube to the high drama of reality TV.
The next six weeks will be esp challenging for me because I'm a big figure skating fan, and the Winter Olympics start in February. There is rarely enough skating on TV for my taste, except in an Olympic year. My husband has already been warned that I will be glued to the TV throughout much of February.
The US National Championships are being held now and will be televised by NBC over the weekend. I'm so jazzed to see that the Ladies Event will be shown on Saturday night and there will be three hours of Pairs Skating and Ice Dancing on Saturday afternoon. (The Mens competition will be aired on Sunday.)
Pairs and Dance get short shrift when television time is scarce in favor of the higher profile Mens and Ladies events. I know some people think it cool to laugh at Ice Dancing, but it's one of my favorite events. Because jumps and lifts are limited, the ice dancers have to find other ways to be creative and put more emphasis on the artistry. The video above is Meryl Davis and Charley White performing their Indian-themed Original Dance from the 2010 Olympic season. I defy anyone to watch that and not be entertained. It's so much fun and so cleverly done. And skated to perfection.
Meryl and Charley are Team USA's best chance of winning a gold medal in figure skating. They won silver in Vancouver after Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir of Canada who took the gold.
So, why do I love figure skating? Well, there's the beauty of watching an athlete in a colorful costume whirl and jump to music. It appeals to the artist inside me at the same time I marvel at how someone can jump in the air and twirl around 3-4 times before landing on one foot on a narrow blade. I'm still amazed that anyone can do that at all, much less make it look so incredibly easy. I only tried ice skating once, and it was more than my uncoordinated body could handle. As Gracie Gold puts it in the commercial, "You're on ice alone with knives strapped to tennis shoes."
A lot of the winter sports leave me in awe. Luge, ski jumping, snowboarding. Don't you have to be just a little bit crazy to do that? Well, not if you're athletic, but it boggles my mind. What's your favorite Olympic Sport, the one that keeps you glued to the TV set when you know you should be doing something else.
Like writing.
Wish me luck with the class. Maybe I can learn to be more organized and self-disciplined, like the amazing Olympic athletes.
Linda
The next six weeks will be esp challenging for me because I'm a big figure skating fan, and the Winter Olympics start in February. There is rarely enough skating on TV for my taste, except in an Olympic year. My husband has already been warned that I will be glued to the TV throughout much of February.
The US National Championships are being held now and will be televised by NBC over the weekend. I'm so jazzed to see that the Ladies Event will be shown on Saturday night and there will be three hours of Pairs Skating and Ice Dancing on Saturday afternoon. (The Mens competition will be aired on Sunday.)
Pairs and Dance get short shrift when television time is scarce in favor of the higher profile Mens and Ladies events. I know some people think it cool to laugh at Ice Dancing, but it's one of my favorite events. Because jumps and lifts are limited, the ice dancers have to find other ways to be creative and put more emphasis on the artistry. The video above is Meryl Davis and Charley White performing their Indian-themed Original Dance from the 2010 Olympic season. I defy anyone to watch that and not be entertained. It's so much fun and so cleverly done. And skated to perfection.
Meryl and Charley are Team USA's best chance of winning a gold medal in figure skating. They won silver in Vancouver after Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir of Canada who took the gold.
So, why do I love figure skating? Well, there's the beauty of watching an athlete in a colorful costume whirl and jump to music. It appeals to the artist inside me at the same time I marvel at how someone can jump in the air and twirl around 3-4 times before landing on one foot on a narrow blade. I'm still amazed that anyone can do that at all, much less make it look so incredibly easy. I only tried ice skating once, and it was more than my uncoordinated body could handle. As Gracie Gold puts it in the commercial, "You're on ice alone with knives strapped to tennis shoes."
A lot of the winter sports leave me in awe. Luge, ski jumping, snowboarding. Don't you have to be just a little bit crazy to do that? Well, not if you're athletic, but it boggles my mind. What's your favorite Olympic Sport, the one that keeps you glued to the TV set when you know you should be doing something else.
Like writing.
Wish me luck with the class. Maybe I can learn to be more organized and self-disciplined, like the amazing Olympic athletes.
Linda
Sunday, January 5, 2014
The Best Present #SPeekSunday
Sneak Peek Sunday is starting up again after a two-month hiatus and seemed like a good way to start the New Year here at Flights of Fancy. If you're not familiar with this weekly blog theme, it's simple. Authors post a six paragraph excerpt from a published story or a work in progress.
Today's excerpt is from my short story, The Best Present, part of Sweetwater Springs Christmas: A Montana Sky Short Story Anthology (Montana Sky Series) by Debra Holland and Friends.
Blurb:
Ten-year-old Allison Harcourt's life has been turned upside down since her father lost his job and her beloved grandmother died. She's not looking forward to Christmas, especially since she can't figure out how to finish the scarf she's making for her mother. An unexpected stop in Sweetwater Springs brings her and her parents to the boarding house of the widow Murphy.
Sometimes sweet things can be found in the most unexpected places.
In this excerpt, Allison's mother gets sick while traveling by train, causing Allison to worry.
Allison pulled her knitting out of her bag. Mama thought it was just practice, but in fact, she was knitting a blue scarf to give Mama for Christmas. Only problem was Grandma got real sick before showing Allison how to finish the scarf. So she just kept knitting. The scarf was plenty long now, but she still didn’t know how to finish it off. It wouldn’t be much of a gift if she handed it to Mama with the knitting needles still in it, but she didn’t know what to do. Was it better to wait and see if Aunt Anna could help her when they got to Spokane?
Suddenly Mama groaned and stood, holding her stomach.
Papa leaped to his feet to steady her. “Are you going to be sick again?”
Mama just nodded and headed toward the necessary room in the back of the car.
Allison jumped up, but Papa’s gently raised palm stopped her.
“Stay here and watch our things.”
She craned her neck, but couldn’t see much from her seat by the window, so she moved to the opposite bench by the aisle and knelt, staring anxiously after her parents over the seat back. Mama hadn’t felt well for days and the swaying motion of the train made her stomach worse. Grandma had stomach problems, too. Problems that kept getting worse and worse until she died. What if Mama had the same illness? Allison’s stomach clenched with fear. She couldn’t lose Mama, too.
Sweetwater Springs Christmas is available for only 99 cents through Jan. 6 at Amazon.com for 99 cents on a Kindle Countdown deal.
I hope everyone had a good holiday! Click for more excerpts at Sneak Peek Sunday.
Linda McLaughlin
Today's excerpt is from my short story, The Best Present, part of Sweetwater Springs Christmas: A Montana Sky Short Story Anthology (Montana Sky Series) by Debra Holland and Friends.
Blurb:
Ten-year-old Allison Harcourt's life has been turned upside down since her father lost his job and her beloved grandmother died. She's not looking forward to Christmas, especially since she can't figure out how to finish the scarf she's making for her mother. An unexpected stop in Sweetwater Springs brings her and her parents to the boarding house of the widow Murphy.
Sometimes sweet things can be found in the most unexpected places.
In this excerpt, Allison's mother gets sick while traveling by train, causing Allison to worry.
Allison pulled her knitting out of her bag. Mama thought it was just practice, but in fact, she was knitting a blue scarf to give Mama for Christmas. Only problem was Grandma got real sick before showing Allison how to finish the scarf. So she just kept knitting. The scarf was plenty long now, but she still didn’t know how to finish it off. It wouldn’t be much of a gift if she handed it to Mama with the knitting needles still in it, but she didn’t know what to do. Was it better to wait and see if Aunt Anna could help her when they got to Spokane?
Suddenly Mama groaned and stood, holding her stomach.
Papa leaped to his feet to steady her. “Are you going to be sick again?”
Mama just nodded and headed toward the necessary room in the back of the car.
Allison jumped up, but Papa’s gently raised palm stopped her.
“Stay here and watch our things.”
She craned her neck, but couldn’t see much from her seat by the window, so she moved to the opposite bench by the aisle and knelt, staring anxiously after her parents over the seat back. Mama hadn’t felt well for days and the swaying motion of the train made her stomach worse. Grandma had stomach problems, too. Problems that kept getting worse and worse until she died. What if Mama had the same illness? Allison’s stomach clenched with fear. She couldn’t lose Mama, too.
Sweetwater Springs Christmas is available for only 99 cents through Jan. 6 at Amazon.com for 99 cents on a Kindle Countdown deal.
I hope everyone had a good holiday! Click for more excerpts at Sneak Peek Sunday.
Linda McLaughlin
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Naughty and Nice Blog Hop
Welcome to the 2013 Naughty and Nice Blog Hop sponsored by Safari Heat Book Tours. The hop runs from Dec. 11-16th. All the rules and how the hop will work it listed on the Safari Heat site. Follow the link above.
Grand prize is a Kindle Fire HDX 7” plus books to go on the winner’s new Kindle.
Prize Rules:
Winners that win prizes that have to be shipped need to be in the US or Canada. Sorry this is because of shipping cost. But ebooks (and my e-gift card) can be won by anyone, anywhere. Winners are chosen using Random.org. All the prizes on the hop page except the books for the winner’s Kindle will be given daily. The hop coordinator, Carey, will be randomly popping into blogs to pick winners.
My prize is a $10.00 e-gift card of the winner’s choice: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Starbucks, whatever, and will be awarded at the end of the hop.
For today, I thought I’d share some quick facts about the main character of The Best Present, my holiday short story in Sweetwater Springs Christmas: A Montana Sky Short Story Anthology by Debra Holland and Friends.
Ten-year-old Allison Harcourt's life has been turned upside down since her father lost his job and her beloved grandmother died. She's not looking forward to Christmas, especially since she can't figure out how to finish the scarf she's making for her mother. An unexpected stop in Sweetwater Springs brings her and her parents to the boarding house of the widow Murphy. Sometimes sweet things can be found in the most unexpected places.
Birthplace: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Current residence: Sweetwater Springs, Montana, but only for Christmas
Family: Mother and Father but no siblings
Nickname: Honeybee
Hobbies: Reading
Favorite book: Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Talents: Baking and knitting (well, sort of, see blurb)
Favorite holiday treat: Fudge
Favorite carols: Oh, Little Town of Bethlehem and The First Noel
Pet peeve: Adults lying to children “for their own good”
Most treasured possessions: Books given to her by her grandmother
If you could ask your author one question, what would it be? Why didn’t we get to stay at the fancy new hotel instead of the old boardinghouse?
Sweetwater Springs Christmas: A Montana Sky Short Story Anthology is available at Amazon.
What’s your favorite holiday treat? Leave a comment below to be entered in the drawing for the $10 e-gift card. If you’d like extra chances to win, you can follow this blog, like my Facebook page, or follow me on Twitter (@LyndiLamont). Let me know in the comments if you did any of the extras. (These last 3 are optional but the comment is not. You must comment for a chance to win.)
Comment Example:
Name: Jane Doe
Email: janedoe at yahoo.com
Comment: candy canes
Twitter: Followed
FaceBook: Followed
Blog: Followed
Country You Live In: USA
To keep hopping follow the link below:
http://safariheatbooktoursandauthorservices.blogspot.com
Happy holidays!
Linda McLaughlin
Read Tuesday
We have Black Friday and Cyber Monday, plus there's Read Tuesday, the day for buying and gifting books at amazing sale prices. Thousands of books will be on sale on Read Tuesday.
This is a great opportunity for readers to stock up on books from their favorite participating authors and publishers. You'll find more information at the Read Tuesday website, or you can join the conversation at Facebook or @ReadTuesday on Twitter.
Share the gift of reading.
Discounted books also make great gifts for the holidays. It’s easy to gift e-books, returns are not a problem with most retailers, the gift is delivered instantly (but you can schedule when to have it delivered), and there are no shipping and handling charges.
This is my first year to participate in Read Tuesday, and I have two discounted books available for you to choose from.
Lady Elinor's Escape
by Linda McLaughlin
Sweet Regency Romance
When a runaway heiress masquerades as a seamstress, she complicates the life of a tortured barrister who specializes in rescuing females in distress. Can he save her from a disaster of her own making or will the past repeat itself?
Amazon and Nook price: $0.99
Smashwords price $0.99 (Use Coupon Code: DB46R)
Note: Lady Elinor's Escape will be on sale through the end of the year!
Worth The Risk
by Lyn O'Farrell
(the writing team of Anne Farrell and Linda McLaughlin)
Contemporary Romantic Comedy
Children's librarian Amanda Lloyd values privacy above all else. Three years ago her wedding ended in disaster when her groom was arrested at the altar and the story of the 'Embezzler's Bride' appeared in the supermarket tabloids. The experience has left her determined to avoid being caught in the public eye again. Until she meets a sexy single dad with a scandalous past.
Ex-racer Mitch Delaney is a public figure whose life has been plastered across the tabloids more than once. But he believes that anything worth doing is worth a risk, and he wants Amanda in his life. When they draw the attention of the tabloids, his custody of his son is threatened. Amanda has waited twenty-eight years for the right man. But will happiness come at too high a price?
Amazon and Nook price: $1.99
Smashwords price: $1.97 (use Coupon Code: EU36T)
And don't forget the Romance Super Bundle. Ten full-length romance novels for one low price! Available at Amazon, All Romance eBooks, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, iTunes and Smashwords.
Happy Reading!
Linda McLaughlin aka Lyn O'Farrell
Friday, November 29, 2013
Hot Autumn Nights
UPDATE: We have a grand prize winner! The winner Is Valerie K. chosen from this blog. Congratulations to Valerie and to Donna N. who won my $10 Gift Card. Thanks to everyone who participated in the hop, and esp. to H.D. and Caris for organizing it.
Linda
Welcome to the Hot Autumn Nights Blog Hop sponsored by authors H.D. Thomson and Caris Roane. Grand prize for the hop is a $70.00 gift card for Amazon or Barnes and Noble. At the end of the hop, the organizers will choose the grand prize winner using random.org by putting in the number of blog sites that participated. From there, they will use random.org again to choose a winner from the winning site, so the more sites you visit and comment at, the better your chance to win.
My prize is a $10 e-gift card of the winners choice: Amazon, BN, Starbucks, etc. Leave a comment to enter. You can earn additional chances to win by liking my Facebook page, following me on Twitter or signing up to the this blog. Let me know in the comments if you have earned additional points.
Now to the fun part. What does a hot autumn night mean to you? Is it snuggling before a roaring fire with your sweetie? That's a classic scenario, and one I used in my historical romance Rogue's Hostage.
His hostage...
In 1758 the Pennsylvania frontier is wild, primitive and dangerous, where safety often lies at the end of a gun. Mara Dupre's life crumbles when a French and Indian war party attacks her cabin, kills her husband, and takes her captive. Marching through the wilderness strengthens her resolve to flee, but she doesn't count on her captor teaching her the meaning of courage and the tempting call of desire.
Her destiny...
French lieutenant Jacques Corbeau's desire for his captive threatens what little honor he has left. But when Mara desperately offers herself to him in exchange for her freedom, he finds the strength to refuse and reclaims his lost self-respect. As the shadows of his past catch up to him, Jacques realizes that Mara, despite the odds, is the one true key to reclaiming his soul and banishing his past misdeeds forever.
In this excerpt, Mara shows up when Jacques is at his lowest point with a bottle of wine and Swiss fondue:
Linda
Welcome to the Hot Autumn Nights Blog Hop sponsored by authors H.D. Thomson and Caris Roane. Grand prize for the hop is a $70.00 gift card for Amazon or Barnes and Noble. At the end of the hop, the organizers will choose the grand prize winner using random.org by putting in the number of blog sites that participated. From there, they will use random.org again to choose a winner from the winning site, so the more sites you visit and comment at, the better your chance to win.
My prize is a $10 e-gift card of the winners choice: Amazon, BN, Starbucks, etc. Leave a comment to enter. You can earn additional chances to win by liking my Facebook page, following me on Twitter or signing up to the this blog. Let me know in the comments if you have earned additional points.
Now to the fun part. What does a hot autumn night mean to you? Is it snuggling before a roaring fire with your sweetie? That's a classic scenario, and one I used in my historical romance Rogue's Hostage.
His hostage...
In 1758 the Pennsylvania frontier is wild, primitive and dangerous, where safety often lies at the end of a gun. Mara Dupre's life crumbles when a French and Indian war party attacks her cabin, kills her husband, and takes her captive. Marching through the wilderness strengthens her resolve to flee, but she doesn't count on her captor teaching her the meaning of courage and the tempting call of desire.
Her destiny...
French lieutenant Jacques Corbeau's desire for his captive threatens what little honor he has left. But when Mara desperately offers herself to him in exchange for her freedom, he finds the strength to refuse and reclaims his lost self-respect. As the shadows of his past catch up to him, Jacques realizes that Mara, despite the odds, is the one true key to reclaiming his soul and banishing his past misdeeds forever.
In this excerpt, Mara shows up when Jacques is at his lowest point with a bottle of wine and Swiss fondue:
She bustled over to the table and began arranging the items
on the tray. “Have you ever had fondue before?”
He shook his head and stared doubtfully at the melted cheese
mixture.
Mara picked up a fork, speared a cube of bread, dipped it in
the fondue, and held it out to him.
He took a bite and nodded his approval. “Delicious.”
“It would be even better if I had real Gruyère cheese, but
this will have to do.” She handed him the fork.
“Now you try it.”
He mimicked her actions, but when he pulled the fork out of
the pot, the bread was gone.
“Ah,” Mara said, “now you must pay a forfeit.”
He turned to her with an amused look on his face. “What kind
of forfeit?”
She cocked her head to one side, a teasing look on her face.
“Sometimes it is a bottle of wine.”
He clapped a hand to his forehead. “I knew it, you are after
my vintage Bordeaux.”
She giggled. “Since I am still not overly fond of wine, I
will not demand a forfeit.”
“Is there no alternative?” he asked. When he saw a blush
creep up her face, he pressed the point. “What are you not telling me, madame?”
“Sometimes it is a kiss.”
He smiled lazily. “Oh, no, madame. I will never get enough of your kisses.”
Buy now from Amazon, All Romance eBooks,Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Kobo and Smashwords.
Rogue's Hostage is also part of the Romance Super Bundle, ten full-length romance novels for one low price. Available at Amazon, All Romance eBooks, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, iTunes and Smashwords.
Don't forget to leave a comment below to enter my giveaway with your email address. For extra credit, follow this blog, like my Facebook page or follow me on Twitter (@LyndiLamont). Just let me know what you did in the comments for extra chances to win.
What's your idea of a hot autumn night?
Linda
Follow the linky list below to keep hopping!
He drew in a quick breath. “A much better idea, do you not
agree?”
She looked at him uncertainly. “I suppose so.”
Jacques’s heart began to pound in his breast. It had been
more than six months since he had kissed her, that last night at Fort Duquesne.
Careful not to alarm her, he cupped her chin with one hand and lightly touched
his lips to hers.
“I think I am going to like fondue very much,” he decided.
He pulled out a chair for her, and inched his own close so
that their knees touched under the table. When she dipped her fork in the pot,
he jostled her elbow, and she lost the bread.
“You did that on purpose,” she accused him with a smile.
He shrugged. “A forfeit is a forfeit. It is your turn to
kiss me.”
She shook her head but complied with his request, kissing
him sweetly but tentatively.
Jacques lost more bread than he ate, and soon he was
intoxicated on wine and kisses. With each kiss, he grew bolder, slipping his
tongue inside her mouth, savoring the tangy taste of cheese and Bordeaux.
Finally she put a hand on his chest. “Enough.”
He smiled lazily. “Oh, no, madame. I will never get enough of your kisses.”
Buy now from Amazon, All Romance eBooks,Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Kobo and Smashwords.
Rogue's Hostage is also part of the Romance Super Bundle, ten full-length romance novels for one low price. Available at Amazon, All Romance eBooks, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, iTunes and Smashwords.
Don't forget to leave a comment below to enter my giveaway with your email address. For extra credit, follow this blog, like my Facebook page or follow me on Twitter (@LyndiLamont). Just let me know what you did in the comments for extra chances to win.
What's your idea of a hot autumn night?
Linda
Follow the linky list below to keep hopping!
Hot Autumn Nights
Welcome to the Hot Autumn Nights Blog Hop sponsored by authors H.D. Thomson and Caris Roane. Grand prize for the hop is a $70.00 gift card for Amazon or Barnes and Noble. At the end of the hop, the organizers will choose the grand prize winner using random.org by putting in the number of blog sites that participated. From there, they will use random.org again to choose a winner from the winning site, so the more sites you visit and comment at, the better your chance to win.
My prize is a $10 e-gift card of the winners choice: Amazon, BN, Starbucks, etc. Leave a comment to enter. You can earn additional chances to win by liking my Facebook page, following me on Twitter or signing up to the this blog. Let me know in the comments if you have earned additional points.
Now to the fun part. What does a hot autumn night mean to you? Is it snuggling before a roaring fire with your sweetie? That's a classic scenario, and one I used in my historical romance Rogue's Hostage.
His hostage...
In 1758 the Pennsylvania frontier is wild, primitive and dangerous, where safety often lies at the end of a gun. Mara Dupre's life crumbles when a French and Indian war party attacks her cabin, kills her husband, and takes her captive. Marching through the wilderness strengthens her resolve to flee, but she doesn't count on her captor teaching her the meaning of courage and the tempting call of desire.
Her destiny...
French lieutenant Jacques Corbeau's desire for his captive threatens what little honor he has left. But when Mara desperately offers herself to him in exchange for her freedom, he finds the strength to refuse and reclaims his lost self-respect. As the shadows of his past catch up to him, Jacques realizes that Mara, despite the odds, is the one true key to reclaiming his soul and banishing his past misdeeds forever.
In this excerpt, Mara shows up when Jacques is at his lowest point with a bottle of wine and Swiss fondue:
My prize is a $10 e-gift card of the winners choice: Amazon, BN, Starbucks, etc. Leave a comment to enter. You can earn additional chances to win by liking my Facebook page, following me on Twitter or signing up to the this blog. Let me know in the comments if you have earned additional points.
Now to the fun part. What does a hot autumn night mean to you? Is it snuggling before a roaring fire with your sweetie? That's a classic scenario, and one I used in my historical romance Rogue's Hostage.
His hostage...
In 1758 the Pennsylvania frontier is wild, primitive and dangerous, where safety often lies at the end of a gun. Mara Dupre's life crumbles when a French and Indian war party attacks her cabin, kills her husband, and takes her captive. Marching through the wilderness strengthens her resolve to flee, but she doesn't count on her captor teaching her the meaning of courage and the tempting call of desire.
Her destiny...
French lieutenant Jacques Corbeau's desire for his captive threatens what little honor he has left. But when Mara desperately offers herself to him in exchange for her freedom, he finds the strength to refuse and reclaims his lost self-respect. As the shadows of his past catch up to him, Jacques realizes that Mara, despite the odds, is the one true key to reclaiming his soul and banishing his past misdeeds forever.
In this excerpt, Mara shows up when Jacques is at his lowest point with a bottle of wine and Swiss fondue:
She bustled over to the table and began arranging the items
on the tray. “Have you ever had fondue before?”
He shook his head and stared doubtfully at the melted cheese
mixture.
Mara picked up a fork, speared a cube of bread, dipped it in
the fondue, and held it out to him.
He took a bite and nodded his approval. “Delicious.”
“It would be even better if I had real Gruyère cheese, but
this will have to do.” She handed him the fork.
“Now you try it.”
He mimicked her actions, but when he pulled the fork out of
the pot, the bread was gone.
“Ah,” Mara said, “now you must pay a forfeit.”
He turned to her with an amused look on his face. “What kind
of forfeit?”
She cocked her head to one side, a teasing look on her face.
“Sometimes it is a bottle of wine.”
He clapped a hand to his forehead. “I knew it, you are after
my vintage Bordeaux.”
She giggled. “Since I am still not overly fond of wine, I
will not demand a forfeit.”
“Is there no alternative?” he asked. When he saw a blush
creep up her face, he pressed the point. “What are you not telling me, madame?”
“Sometimes it is a kiss.”
He smiled lazily. “Oh, no, madame. I will never get enough of your kisses.”
Buy now from Amazon, All Romance eBooks,Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Kobo and Smashwords.
Rogue's Hostage is also part of the Romance Super Bundle, ten full-length romance novels for one low price. Available at Amazon, All Romance eBooks, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, iTunes and Smashwords.
Don't forget to leave a comment below to enter my giveaway with your email address. For extra credit, follow this blog, like my Facebook page or follow me on Twitter (@LyndiLamont). Just let me know what you did in the comments for extra chances to win.
What's your idea of a hot autumn night?
Linda
Follow the linky list below to keep hopping!
He drew in a quick breath. “A much better idea, do you not
agree?”
She looked at him uncertainly. “I suppose so.”
Jacques’s heart began to pound in his breast. It had been
more than six months since he had kissed her, that last night at Fort Duquesne.
Careful not to alarm her, he cupped her chin with one hand and lightly touched
his lips to hers.
“I think I am going to like fondue very much,” he decided.
He pulled out a chair for her, and inched his own close so
that their knees touched under the table. When she dipped her fork in the pot,
he jostled her elbow, and she lost the bread.
“You did that on purpose,” she accused him with a smile.
He shrugged. “A forfeit is a forfeit. It is your turn to
kiss me.”
She shook her head but complied with his request, kissing
him sweetly but tentatively.
Jacques lost more bread than he ate, and soon he was
intoxicated on wine and kisses. With each kiss, he grew bolder, slipping his
tongue inside her mouth, savoring the tangy taste of cheese and Bordeaux.
Finally she put a hand on his chest. “Enough.”
He smiled lazily. “Oh, no, madame. I will never get enough of your kisses.”
Buy now from Amazon, All Romance eBooks,Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Kobo and Smashwords.
Rogue's Hostage is also part of the Romance Super Bundle, ten full-length romance novels for one low price. Available at Amazon, All Romance eBooks, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, iTunes and Smashwords.
Don't forget to leave a comment below to enter my giveaway with your email address. For extra credit, follow this blog, like my Facebook page or follow me on Twitter (@LyndiLamont). Just let me know what you did in the comments for extra chances to win.
What's your idea of a hot autumn night?
Linda
Follow the linky list below to keep hopping!
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
The Best Present Excerpt
I'm thrilled to be part of Sweetwater Springs Christmas: A Montana Sky Short Story Anthology (Montana Sky Series) by Debra Holland and Friends, namely E. Ayers, Linda Carroll-Bradd, MJ Fredrick, Paty Jager, Jill Marie Landis, Trish Milburn, Bev Pettersen, Tori Scott, Cynthia Woolf, and me, Linda McLaughlin. Most of the stories are sweet romance set in Montana in 1895.
Today I thought I'd share the blurb and a short excerpt from my short story, The Best Present.
blurb:
Ten-year-old Allison Harcourt's life has been turned upside down since her father lost his job and her beloved grandmother died. She's not looking forward to Christmas, especially since she can't figure out how to finish the scarf she's making for her mother. An unexpected stop in Sweetwater Springs brings her and her parents to the boarding house of the widow Murphy.
Sometimes sweet things can be found in the most unexpected places.
Excerpt:
"Christmas won't be Christmas without any presents."
Allison Harcourt stared at the opening lines of her favorite book, Little Women, until the words blurred. Unable to read, she closed the volume.
Christmas won't be Christmas without Grandma.
Sudden tears filled her eyes, and she turned her head to stare out the train window, blinking furiously to make the moisture go away. Don't cry, don't cry, don't cry. The words pounded rhythmically in her head to the clack of the train over the tracks. Mama and Papa hated seeing her cry, but it was hard to hide the tears with Mama sitting across from her. If only her seat faced front. Then Mama wouldn't be able to see her.
Her mother heaved a sigh. "Why do you read that book when it makes you weep?"
Allison wiped her eyes and looked at her mother. For once Little Women wasn't the reason she was crying, but she gave the same answer she always did. "Because it's so good." It was a familiar refrain, one they had exchanged the second and fifth and tenth time she'd read the book. Usually, she only cried when Beth died, but now, with Christmas only a day away…
She slipped the book into her carpetbag and turned back to the window so Mama couldn't see her face. The scenery outside sped by as the train clattered along the track, clouds of black smoke billowing back from the locomotive. Allison could barely see through her tears, but it didn't matter. She was tired of looking at the prairie, so flat and boring, especially today with the sky a pale gray. There were supposed to be mountains ahead, but her seat faced the rear of the train. All she could see was what was behind her--not just miles of prairie, but her friends, her school, and her home back in Pittsburgh--before Grandma died and Papa said they were moving.
~~~~
In writing about a ten-year-old girl having the worst Christmas of her young life. I drew on some personal experiences, including my memories of my tenth Christmas, which took place two weeks after the death of my grandmother. A year later, again at Christmas, we moved out of the house I'd lived in my whole life to move to another state. Allison's story has a different ending than mine did, but it's the most personal work I've ever written, and writing it was an emotional experience.
Like Allison, I grew up in Pittsburgh, PA. which can be pretty cold and snowy in December. Whenever possible, my dad liked to take off for Miami during the holidays. One year, we left early on Christmas morning and drove to North Carolina that day. We found a motel, but there was nowhere to eat; everything was closed for the holiday. I remember my dad driving around and around town, when suddenly we saw some bright lights in the distance. It was a White Castle, all lit up and open for business. Christmas dinner consisted of burgers and fries at the counter!
If you enjoy Western romance and/or holiday romance, I think you'll enjoy this anthology.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Linda
Saturday, November 16, 2013
You're invited to the November 18 Facebook launch party for Sweetwater Springs Christmas: A Montana Sky Short Story Anthology (Montana Sky Series) by Debra Holland and Friends, namely E. Ayers, Linda Carroll-Bradd, MJ Fredrick, Paty Jager, Jill Marie Landis, Trish Milburn, Linda McLaughlin, Bev Pettersen, Tori Scott, and Cynthia Woolf.
Throughout the day, we’ll be “chatting” and doing playful question and answers. Each hour there will be plenty of giveaways, and at the end of the day, commenters will be entered into a grand prize drawing for a Kindle Fire.
Writing my story, The Best Present, was both challenging and rewarding. It's not easy to write in another author's story world, plus I was unfamiliar with Montana in 1895 (or any other time.) Some research was required. (That was okay since I love research.)
For once, I shed my romance persona and wrote about a ten-year-old girl having the worst Christmas of her young life. I drew on some personal experiences, including my memories of my tenth Christmas, which took place two weeks after the death of my grandmother. Allison's story has a different ending than mine did, but it's the most personal work I've ever written, and it was an emotional experience.
Sweetwater Springs Christmas: A Montana Sky Short Story Anthology releases Nov. 18 on Amazon but is available for pre-order now.
I hope some of you will join us on Monday to celebrate the release of the anthology at Facebook. It runs from 9AM to 6PM, Pacific time, and I will be there alone (gulp) from 10-11AM. I'd love to see some friendly faces there. I'll be giving away several prizes, including two $10 gift cards of the winner's choice and downloads of my sweet Regency romance, Lady Elinor's Escape.
Linda
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Romance Super Bundle Now @Amazon
I'm so excited to be part of the Romance Super Bundle, a set of ten full-length romance novels by ten different authors. We have contemporary romance, romantic suspense and one historical romance--my book, Rogue's Hostage!
Participating authors are Dale Mayer, Donna Marie Rogers, Edie Ramer, Linda McLaughlin, Kate Kelly, Pamela Fryer, Lois Winston, Barbara Phinney, Wendy Ely and Amy Gamet. The gorgeous cover was designed by our fearless leader, the amazing author and cover designer Amy Gamet.
As of right now, the Romance Super Bundle is available at Amazon Kindle, but in October it will also be available at Apple, Kobo and Nook. Best of all, the introductory sales price is only 99 cents!
And, drum roll please... You are all invited to our Facebook Launch Party on October 7th. You can sign up ahead of time for games, giveaways, and a chance to meet and chat with the authors.
I'll post more details next week.
Linda
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Sneak Peek Sunday July 14
It's Sneak Peek Sunday again, this time with a six-paragraph snippet from my sweet Regency romance, Lady Elinor's Escape, showing Elinor's first meeting with Stephen Chaplin.
In this scene, Lady Elinor has run away from her abusive aunt and made it as far as the nearest coaching inn where she just missed the coach to London. Aware of her plight and suspecting she is in trouble, Stephen approaches to offer his assistance.
Elinor turned to face the gentleman who had suddenly appeared. She stared at him through a haze of black, taking advantage of her veil to get a closer look at this tall, dark-haired, seemingly well bred gentleman. He was above average height, with finely chiseled features, and while he could not, strictly speaking, be deemed handsome, there was something in the intense scrutiny of his light brown eyes that drew her to him. By the cut of his bottle green Superfine coat, which emphasized his broad shoulders but was not so tight as to hamper movement, and his casually tied neckcloth, she surmised he was no society dandy.
“How do you do?” she said politely, extending one black-gloved hand.
“Fine, thank you.”
As he took her hand and bowed over it, Elinor savored the warmth of his touch for a moment. It had been a long time since someone had touched her out of kindness. Suddenly realizing she was clutching his hand, she withdrew hers. He studied her, his gaze seeming to penetrate the veil, and she could only stand like the veriest lump under his scrutiny.
“I beg your pardon, madam, but what did you say your name was?”
“Eli—” Elinor broke off and feigned a cough, panic bubbling up inside. Her name. Dear heavens, she needed a new name. If she told him who she was, he would never agree to take her to Mimi. She stared down at the gentleman’s yellow nankeen trousers and shiny brown boots. “Brown,” she stammered. “Ellie Brown.”
Lady Elinor's Escape is on sale for 50% off at Smashwords for the month of July during their Summer/Winter Promotion. Use coupon code SSW50. Rogue's Hostage and Worth The Risk, by Lyn O'Farrell, are also 50% off this month.
Lady Elinor's Escape is also available from Amazon, All Romance eBooks, BN/Nook, iTunes, and Kobo.
And as always, click here to read this week's fabulous Sneak Peek Sunday snippets.
Happy reading!
Linda
In this scene, Lady Elinor has run away from her abusive aunt and made it as far as the nearest coaching inn where she just missed the coach to London. Aware of her plight and suspecting she is in trouble, Stephen approaches to offer his assistance.
Elinor turned to face the gentleman who had suddenly appeared. She stared at him through a haze of black, taking advantage of her veil to get a closer look at this tall, dark-haired, seemingly well bred gentleman. He was above average height, with finely chiseled features, and while he could not, strictly speaking, be deemed handsome, there was something in the intense scrutiny of his light brown eyes that drew her to him. By the cut of his bottle green Superfine coat, which emphasized his broad shoulders but was not so tight as to hamper movement, and his casually tied neckcloth, she surmised he was no society dandy.
“How do you do?” she said politely, extending one black-gloved hand.
“Fine, thank you.”
As he took her hand and bowed over it, Elinor savored the warmth of his touch for a moment. It had been a long time since someone had touched her out of kindness. Suddenly realizing she was clutching his hand, she withdrew hers. He studied her, his gaze seeming to penetrate the veil, and she could only stand like the veriest lump under his scrutiny.
“I beg your pardon, madam, but what did you say your name was?”
“Eli—” Elinor broke off and feigned a cough, panic bubbling up inside. Her name. Dear heavens, she needed a new name. If she told him who she was, he would never agree to take her to Mimi. She stared down at the gentleman’s yellow nankeen trousers and shiny brown boots. “Brown,” she stammered. “Ellie Brown.”
Lady Elinor's Escape is on sale for 50% off at Smashwords for the month of July during their Summer/Winter Promotion. Use coupon code SSW50. Rogue's Hostage and Worth The Risk, by Lyn O'Farrell, are also 50% off this month.
Lady Elinor's Escape is also available from Amazon, All Romance eBooks, BN/Nook, iTunes, and Kobo.
And as always, click here to read this week's fabulous Sneak Peek Sunday snippets.
Happy reading!
Linda
Monday, July 8, 2013
July News
Hope everyone had a good weekend. This week July events are getting into swing!
Author Cynthia Woolf interviewed me today for her blog. Drop by and leave a comment for a chance to win a $5 gift card!
http://cynthiawoolf.com/blog/an-interview-with-linda-mclaughlin/
Have you heard about Smashwords.com's July Summer/Winter Promotion?
I'm participating, along with lots of other authors. Three of my books are discounted by 50% and one short story is free! Coupon codes are good through July 31.
Lady Elinor's Escape, sweet Regency romance, by Linda McLaughlin is 50% off at Smashwords. Use coupon code SSW50. https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/312406
Rogue's Hostage, sensual historical romance, by Linda McLaughlin on sale at smashwords 50% off w/ coupon code SSW50! https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/291719
Worth The Risk, sensual contemporary romance, by Lyn O'Farrell on sale at Smashwords for 50% off with coupon code SSW50! https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/236077
And my short story: How To Woo… A Reluctant Bride, Victorian-era short story, by Lyndi Lamont is FREE at Smashwords w/ coupon code SW100! https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/264222
Then look around at the Smashwords site to see what other good deals you can find. The ebooks are always available in multiple formats, so it doesn't matter which reader you use.
Happy reading!
Linda McLaughlin / Lyndi Lamont /Lyn O'Farrell
Author Cynthia Woolf interviewed me today for her blog. Drop by and leave a comment for a chance to win a $5 gift card!
http://cynthiawoolf.com/blog/an-interview-with-linda-mclaughlin/
Have you heard about Smashwords.com's July Summer/Winter Promotion?
I'm participating, along with lots of other authors. Three of my books are discounted by 50% and one short story is free! Coupon codes are good through July 31.
Lady Elinor's Escape, sweet Regency romance, by Linda McLaughlin is 50% off at Smashwords. Use coupon code SSW50. https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/312406
Rogue's Hostage, sensual historical romance, by Linda McLaughlin on sale at smashwords 50% off w/ coupon code SSW50! https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/291719
Worth The Risk, sensual contemporary romance, by Lyn O'Farrell on sale at Smashwords for 50% off with coupon code SSW50! https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/236077
And my short story: How To Woo… A Reluctant Bride, Victorian-era short story, by Lyndi Lamont is FREE at Smashwords w/ coupon code SW100! https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/264222
Then look around at the Smashwords site to see what other good deals you can find. The ebooks are always available in multiple formats, so it doesn't matter which reader you use.
Happy reading!
Linda McLaughlin / Lyndi Lamont /Lyn O'Farrell
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Hump Day Reads
Lady Elinor's Escape is featured today at Julie Kenner's Hump Day Reads!My thanks to Julie and her assistant Rachael for the consideration.
Linda
Sunday, June 2, 2013
#SPeekSunday
A month ago, I introduced Lady Elinor Ashworth, heroine of Lady Elinor's Escape, in a Sneak Peek Sunday post. Today's snippet introduces Stephen over breakfast at a country inn, after reuniting the proprietors with their runaway daughter Nancy.
Lady Elinor's Escape
Sweet Regency Romance
by Linda McLaughlin
Nancy fisted her hands on her hips. “Now that isn’t enough breakfast for the long trip to London. I’ll bring ye some of our fine Wiltshire bacon, too.”
Stephen laughed. Ever since he’d arrived, one Wainwright or another had been pressing food and drink on him. “Very well, Nancy. Toast and bacon.”
She turned and walked away, weaving between the crowded tables. She seemed like a different girl than the half-starved waif his housekeeper had taken in two months ago. He frowned, remembering her tale of being lured to London by a smooth-talking stranger only to be abandoned as soon as she had conceived. What kind of cad deserted a woman in a delicate condition? The only thing worse was a man who used his fists on a female, like that blackguard Northam.
Stephen closed his mind to that line of thought. Deborah had been gone for six years now, and if not forgotten, at least the pain of her death had faded. At her funeral Stephen had vowed never again to walk away from a woman in need, which was how he found himself at an inn in Wiltshire during the Season.
When Nancy returned with his breakfast, he applied himself to the large slab of bacon and toast dripping with butter, and then washed it all down with strong black coffee.
Rescuing damsels in distress was hungry work.
Lady Elinor's Escape is available at Amazon, All Romance eBooks, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Smashwords.
Click here to read more Sneak Peeks.
Linda
Lady Elinor's Escape
Sweet Regency Romance
by Linda McLaughlin
Nancy fisted her hands on her hips. “Now that isn’t enough breakfast for the long trip to London. I’ll bring ye some of our fine Wiltshire bacon, too.”
Stephen laughed. Ever since he’d arrived, one Wainwright or another had been pressing food and drink on him. “Very well, Nancy. Toast and bacon.”
She turned and walked away, weaving between the crowded tables. She seemed like a different girl than the half-starved waif his housekeeper had taken in two months ago. He frowned, remembering her tale of being lured to London by a smooth-talking stranger only to be abandoned as soon as she had conceived. What kind of cad deserted a woman in a delicate condition? The only thing worse was a man who used his fists on a female, like that blackguard Northam.
Stephen closed his mind to that line of thought. Deborah had been gone for six years now, and if not forgotten, at least the pain of her death had faded. At her funeral Stephen had vowed never again to walk away from a woman in need, which was how he found himself at an inn in Wiltshire during the Season.
When Nancy returned with his breakfast, he applied himself to the large slab of bacon and toast dripping with butter, and then washed it all down with strong black coffee.
Rescuing damsels in distress was hungry work.
Lady Elinor's Escape is available at Amazon, All Romance eBooks, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Smashwords.
Click here to read more Sneak Peeks.
Linda
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Book Lovers Buffet Extended
GOOD NEWS: Due to popular demand, the Book Lovers’ Buffet “Bouquet of Books” sale has been extended through Sunday, May 5. More than 175 e-books, all reduced in price to just 99 cents. Save in categories such as Young Adult, Contemporary, Paranormal, Suspense, Erotic Romance, and more, including my historical romance Rogue's Hostage! I'm loading up my ereader, how about you?
My Lady Elinor's Escape mini-blog tour finishes up today with a First Sight Saturday post at Jill Hughey's blog.
Lady Elinor's Escape is now available at Amazon, All Romance eBooks, Barnes and Noble and Smashwords. Coming soon to other retailers.
Don't forget, the new release giveaway continues through May 5. I'm giving away a $10.00 gift certificate of the winner's choice: Amazon, BN, Starbucks, etc. Winner will be notified on May 6. There are several ways to enter.
1) Leave a comment here. If you are commenting anonymously, please leave an email address so I can find you if you win!
2) Friend me at Goodreads or Shelfari. (I will friend you back)
3) Join my YahooGroups announcement list.
Linda
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
American Historical #bookbuffet
Introducing the Book Lovers’ Buffet. Load up, you won’t gain a pound!
The Buffet’s “Bouquet of Books” sale will be open May 1-3. More than 175 e-books, all reduced in price to just 99 cents. Save in categories such as Young Adult, Contemporary, Paranormal, Suspense, Erotic Romance, and more, including my historical romance Rogue's Hostage!
PLUS, visit the website to win gift cards to your choice of online retailers. $400 in gift cards up for grabs!
If you're like me, you love Historical Romance. Today I'm focusing on the American-set books in the sale, starting with my own, of course!

Rogue's Hostage - Linda McLaughlin
Colonial American Romance
His hostage. Her destiny.
From the wilderness of Pennsylvania to the fall of Quebec, Mara and Jacques are thrust into the tumult of war and passion, relying only on their feelings for each other to stay alive. Before the war ends, they will risk death, embrace life, and discover love that transcends all bounds.
Improper Situation - Sydney Jane Baily
A 24-year-old confirmed spinster won't risk heartbreak, until a handsome stranger awakens her yearning both for companionship and for indulgent pleasure...
From dusty Colorado to civilized Boston, Charlotte and Reed encounter sinister forces and scorned women. With passions ablaze yet often at odds, they find themselves in a very Improper Situation.
Tame a Wild Wind - Cynthia WoolfWestern Romance from an Amazon Bestselling Western Author
He’s looking for work not love. She’s looking for a ranch foreman not the love of a lifetime.
Former Texas Ranger Sam Colter isn't looking for love. Neither is pretty widow Cassie O'Malley. But when a man stalking Sam for killing his brother kidnaps Cassie, Sam discovers it's more than duty that sends him racing to her rescue. Will Cassie realize the truth about her own feelings before it's too late?
The Escort - Gina Robinson
Young, beautiful Italian mail-order bride Angelina D’Alessandro is married by proxy to an older man she’s never met—her only chance to escape the poverty of Italy for the hope of a new life in America.
Mine owner and explosives expert Tonio Domani prefers to travel alone. In his line of work he can’t afford distractions. Against his better judgment he’s coerced into playing chaperone to a beautiful and tempting bride. But what scares him most is the rising passion he feels for Angelina and the danger of losing his heart to her.
Click here for the page with all the historical books and buy links. Enjoy!
My Lady Elinor's Escape new release giveaway continues through May 5. I'm giving away a $10.00 gift certificate of the winner's choice: Amazon, BN, Starbucks, etc. Winner will be notified on May 6. There are several ways to enter.
1) Leave a comment here. If you are commenting anonymously, please leave an email address so I can find you if you win!
2) Friend me at Goodreads or Shelfari. (I will friend you back)
3) Join my YahooGroups announcement list.
Linda
Monday, April 29, 2013
Blog Week Craziness #FoFblog
To celebrate the reissue of my Regency romance, Lady Elinor's Escape, I'm doing a mini-blog tour along with two other promotional events this week. Stop by when you can. There's a chance to enter to win a prize at every stop.
Mon. April 29: The Romance Studio blog (excerpt)
and Why I Love the Regency Era at Leanne Tyler's blog
Sat. May 4: First Sight Saturday at Jill Hughey's blog
For the blog tour I'm giving away a $10.00 gift certificate of the winner's choice: Amazon, BN, Starbucks, etc. Winner will be notified on May 6. There are several ways to enter.
1) Leave a comment here. If you are commenting anonymously, please leave an email address so I can find you if you win!
2) Friend me at Goodreads or Shelfari. (I will friend you back)
3) Join my YahooGroups announcement list.
More announcements coming on Wednesday!
Linda
Mon. April 29: The Romance Studio blog (excerpt)
and Why I Love the Regency Era at Leanne Tyler's blogSat. May 4: First Sight Saturday at Jill Hughey's blog
For the blog tour I'm giving away a $10.00 gift certificate of the winner's choice: Amazon, BN, Starbucks, etc. Winner will be notified on May 6. There are several ways to enter.
1) Leave a comment here. If you are commenting anonymously, please leave an email address so I can find you if you win!
2) Friend me at Goodreads or Shelfari. (I will friend you back)
3) Join my YahooGroups announcement list.
More announcements coming on Wednesday!
Linda
Labels:
blog tour,
Lady Elinor's Escape,
Linda McLaughlin
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Meet Lady Elinor #SPeekSunday
Before I get into this Sunday's Sneak Peek, I want to announce that the cover of Lady Elinor's Escape, designed by the very talented Lacey Savage, made the finals in the April 2013 Indie eBook Cover Awards! This month's Guest Judge Scarlett Rugers, a professional book cover designer, from Melbourne Australia, had this to say about the cover:
Glad I'm not the only one who thinks the cover is absolutely stunning!
The book is a traditional Regency romance. Here's the blurb:
Lady Elinor Ashworth always longed for adventure, but when she runs away from her abusive aunt, she finds more than she bargained for. Elinor fears her aunt who is irrational and dangerous, threatening Elinor and anyone she associates with. When she encounters an inquisitive gentleman, she accepts his help, but fearing for his safety, hides her identity by pretending to be a seamstress. She resists his every attempt to draw her out, all the while fighting her attraction to him.
There are too many women in barrister Stephen Chaplin’s life, but he has never been able to turn his back on a damsel in distress. The younger son of a baronet is a ‘rescuer’ of troubled females, an unusual vocation fueled guilt over his failure to save the woman he loved from her brutal husband. He cannot help falling in love with his secretive seamstress, but to his dismay, the truth of her background reveals Stephen as the ineligible party.
(For those not familiar with the genre, Newgate was the name of a prison in London.) Now for our Sneak Peek at the first six paragraphs of Chapter One:
She might as well be in Newgate.
Lady Elinor Ashworth stared out the window of her bedchamber at acres of farmland sprouting new growth. Spring green brightened the vista, taunting her with the promise of freedom. After three long, lonely months trapped in this cottage, her spirit cried out for something more, something she could not name.
She glanced at the sketchbook in her lap. She had intended to draw the pastoral scene outside her window, but her hand had sketched a young lady forlornly staring through the panes of a window. A truer self-portrait had never been drawn.
Until the last few months, she had been allowed to wander alone through the Wiltshire countryside, but no longer. Not since Aunt Sarah came out of her melancholy and turned into a raving madwoman.
All her life Elinor had dreamed of adventure, so what she was planning to do should not daunt her in the slightest. She had read about people braving the ocean in small boats, exploring the jungles of Africa, searching for ancient artifacts in Egypt.
In contrast, stealing out of her aunt’s house in the dark, walking to the nearest coaching inn and traveling by herself to London hardly qualified as an adventure. The merest of escapades, in fact. Or so she assured herself to calm the butterflies suddenly dancing in her stomach. Still, what other choice did she have?
Lady Elinor's Escape is now available at Amazon, All Romance eBooks and Barnes and Noble. Coming soon to other retailers.
To celebrate the reissue of Lady Elinor's Escape, I'm giving away a $10.00 gift certificate of the winner's choice: Amazon, BN, Starbucks, etc. Winner will be notified on May 6. There are several ways to enter.
1) Leave a comment here. If you are commenting anonymously, please leave an email address so I can find you if you win!
2) Friend me at Goodreads or Shelfari. (I will friend you back)
3) Join my YahooGroups announcement list.
Click here to read more Sneak Peeks.
Linda
A historical regency romance with absolutely gorgeous golden colours – the placement of elements and colour scheme are well-balanced and harmonious.
Glad I'm not the only one who thinks the cover is absolutely stunning!
The book is a traditional Regency romance. Here's the blurb:
Lady Elinor Ashworth always longed for adventure, but when she runs away from her abusive aunt, she finds more than she bargained for. Elinor fears her aunt who is irrational and dangerous, threatening Elinor and anyone she associates with. When she encounters an inquisitive gentleman, she accepts his help, but fearing for his safety, hides her identity by pretending to be a seamstress. She resists his every attempt to draw her out, all the while fighting her attraction to him.
There are too many women in barrister Stephen Chaplin’s life, but he has never been able to turn his back on a damsel in distress. The younger son of a baronet is a ‘rescuer’ of troubled females, an unusual vocation fueled guilt over his failure to save the woman he loved from her brutal husband. He cannot help falling in love with his secretive seamstress, but to his dismay, the truth of her background reveals Stephen as the ineligible party.
(For those not familiar with the genre, Newgate was the name of a prison in London.) Now for our Sneak Peek at the first six paragraphs of Chapter One:
She might as well be in Newgate.
Lady Elinor Ashworth stared out the window of her bedchamber at acres of farmland sprouting new growth. Spring green brightened the vista, taunting her with the promise of freedom. After three long, lonely months trapped in this cottage, her spirit cried out for something more, something she could not name.
She glanced at the sketchbook in her lap. She had intended to draw the pastoral scene outside her window, but her hand had sketched a young lady forlornly staring through the panes of a window. A truer self-portrait had never been drawn.
Until the last few months, she had been allowed to wander alone through the Wiltshire countryside, but no longer. Not since Aunt Sarah came out of her melancholy and turned into a raving madwoman.
All her life Elinor had dreamed of adventure, so what she was planning to do should not daunt her in the slightest. She had read about people braving the ocean in small boats, exploring the jungles of Africa, searching for ancient artifacts in Egypt.
In contrast, stealing out of her aunt’s house in the dark, walking to the nearest coaching inn and traveling by herself to London hardly qualified as an adventure. The merest of escapades, in fact. Or so she assured herself to calm the butterflies suddenly dancing in her stomach. Still, what other choice did she have?
Lady Elinor's Escape is now available at Amazon, All Romance eBooks and Barnes and Noble. Coming soon to other retailers.
To celebrate the reissue of Lady Elinor's Escape, I'm giving away a $10.00 gift certificate of the winner's choice: Amazon, BN, Starbucks, etc. Winner will be notified on May 6. There are several ways to enter.
1) Leave a comment here. If you are commenting anonymously, please leave an email address so I can find you if you win!
2) Friend me at Goodreads or Shelfari. (I will friend you back)
3) Join my YahooGroups announcement list.
Click here to read more Sneak Peeks.
Linda
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