Showing posts with label summer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label summer. Show all posts

Monday, July 13, 2020

Stranded with the Jaguar #Excerpt from Midsummer Night Shifts #PNR #Shifters


Stranded with the Jaguar by Tricia Schneider inside the pages of Midsummer Night Shifts: A Limited Edition Summer Shifter Romance Collection

Overworked and newly divorced, single mom Lara Harper needs more than a vacation - she needs a complete getaway where she can forget life's woes. Craving escape, she books an island fling to feel sexy and alive again. When her plane crashes on a desert island, she wonders if her dream has come true with the sexy pilot who saves her life. It's just the two of them, stranded in paradise... until she discovers they aren't the only inhabitants on this island.

There's a wild jaguar stalking her. 

Flyboy...loner...jaguar. After a deadly attack by a shifter, Beckett has escaped to the paradise of the Caribbean islands. His solace is interrupted when Lara Harper crashes into his life. Together, they must fight to survive until rescue arrives... if it arrives. In the meantime, he must hide the secret that sent him seeking solitude in the first place.

But, of course, tonight is a full moon...

Unleash the beast within!

Fall in love with shifters stalking through the moonlit heat of a summer night.

Join the hunt as these shifters slide through the shadows unseen, stalk their enemies, pursue their loves, and take down their prey.

Sink your teeth into 20+ stories of hot city streets, steamy tropical jungles, pack politics, and fated mates as the heroes and heroines embrace their inner animals.

Fans of Dannika Dark, Terry Bolryder, Celia Kyle, Eva Chase, and T.S. Joyce will love this sizzling collection of shifter tales!




Excerpt from Stranded with the Jaguar...


Lara took a deep breath, stood and walked to the plane to put some distance between her and the man in question. She couldn’t think straight with him so close. 
She couldn’t think about anything other than that damned kiss.
“I’ll tell you what,” Beckett said, getting her attention. “We need to relight this fire. You want to get some more fuel for it?”
Lara nodded. That she could do. She spent the next several minutes lost in thought as she searched for dry wood to burn. When she returned, Beckett had finished cleaning the fish. She helped stack the wood for the campfire as she’d seen him do, and once it was lit, he set about cooking the fish.
In the meantime, Lara gathered her courage to pursue her plans for this evening. If she wanted to be a wild, tempting seductress, this was her chance. She couldn’t let it slip through her fingers. Rescue could appear at any moment, taking away the last chance she’d get to feel this man’s lips against hers.
Once the fish was done cooking, they both ate by the fire, staring out at the ocean. Lara took in the beauty of nature surrounding them. It was the perfect location for a seduction.
When she suggested a shot of tequila, it was more to calm her jittery nerves. Beckett handed her the bottle. She gratefully took a few sips of the liquid, welcoming the warmth as it slid through her veins. Then sipped some more.
Beckett was unaware of her nervousness. He sat by the fire, enjoying the view of the sun’s descent. She saw his jaw clench a few times, and she wondered at that. He glanced suspiciously at the sky.
“Do you hear something?” She asked, thinking he might have heard a plane overhead.
“What?” He glanced at her, his brow furrowed in question.
“You keep looking at the sky.”
“Oh, no, I… uh… just noticed the moon.”
She’d noticed it, too. Growing large and round, reflecting the sun’s light from so high above. “It’s full tonight.”
“Yeah…” He said although he didn’t sound thrilled about it. “It is…”
Okay, she thought. Not as romantic as she’d hoped. She took another mouthful of tequila. This wasn’t going as smoothly as she’d hoped.
After the way he’d behaved with her earlier… with that kiss… she’d thought it would be easy enough to toss her hair over her shoulder, bat her long eyelashes in his direction and then call to him with the crook of her finger.
Not so much. He wasn’t paying her as much attention as she desired, and she wasn’t sure how to get him to look her way without making it so obvious.
Cecily’s voice haunted her brain, insisting she should stand and start stripping her clothes off her body. What man could say no to that?
Instead, Lara continued to sip the tequila and dream about the many scenarios that could play out in this situation.
“Are you tired?” Beckett’s voice shocked her. They’d been sitting in silence for a long time. “You look tired. Why don’t you get some sleep?”
“I’m not sleepy.” Lara’s senses tingled with awareness. Although, that might be because of the effects of the tequila. She didn’t care. All she knew was that she wanted to feel Beckett’s lips against her, kissing her, licking her in all those secret places.
She inhaled sharply at the thought.
“Are you sure?” Beckett leaned closer.
“How’s your head?” Lara asked, glancing at the scratch on Beckett’s temple. They were close enough that she could reach out a hand to touch him. Gently, she placed her hand on his cheek, getting a better look at the wound. “D-does it hurt?”
“It’s fine,” he said. “I’m fine.”
“G-good.”
Now. She should lean forward, kiss him… now.

PRE-ORDER NOW!

AMAZON







Thursday, July 9, 2020

One More Week! #PreOrder Midsummer Night Shifts! #PNR #Shifters

Have you pre-ordered Midsummer Night Shifts? Release day is only a week away!



Unleash the beast within!

Fall in love with shifters stalking through the moonlit heat of a summer night.

Join the hunt as these shifters slide through the shadows unseen, stalk their enemies, pursue their loves, and take down their prey.

Sink your teeth into 20+ stories of hot city streets, steamy tropical jungles, pack politics, and fated mates as the heroes and heroines embrace their inner animals.

Fans of Dannika Dark, Terry Bolryder, Celia Kyle, Eva Chase, and T.S. Joyce will love this sizzling collection of shifter tales!

PreOrder Now!

AMAZON

Tuesday, May 12, 2020

Summer Reading ~ Life's a Beach #Giveaway #BlogHop



I always have a list of themed books lined up for summer reading. When I think of beach reads, I'm thinking of books set during the summer months, sometimes on the ocean or an island, along the coast or perhaps a lakefront. Or just a hot and steamy romance.

These are the books I have lined up for some hot summertime reading.



Mermaidia



Love mermaids and all creatures aquatic? This limited time anthology is just for you! With more than 1500 pages of captivating fiction, you'll be enchanted by sirens, dive the depths with a mermaid, and fear whether the sea witch is friend or foe.







Midsummer Night Shifts


Unleash the beast within!

Fall in love with shifters stalking through the moonlit heat of a summer night.

Join the hunt as these shifters slide through the shadows unseen, stalk their enemies, pursue their loves, and take down their prey.

Sink your teeth into 20+ stories of hot city streets, steamy tropical jungles, pack politics, and fated mates as the heroes and heroines embrace their inner animals.






Island Cupid


40-something Ellen is perfectly happy being single and hitting bars with her much younger best friend Hannah. Or is she? When Ellen's high school boyfriend looks her up on social media, a mid-life crisis suddenly strikes. Hannah's solution: A trip to Hawaii for Valentine's Day. Will Ellen find the love she didn't know she needed on a beautiful island? Or will she settle for a one-time fling?








Smitten by the Brit


DEFINITELY, MAYBE...OR LOVE, ACTUALLY?

English professor Bonnie Blythe expects her life to play out like her favorite novels, especially now that her long-term boyfriend has finally proposed. So when a shocking discovery leads Bonnie to end her engagement, she decides to close the book on love. But the plot thickens when a brand-new character enters the scene - and quickens Bonnie's heart.

With his brilliant blue eyes, sexy accent, and irresistible charm, Theo Wharton is like a romantic hero straight out of a Jane Austen novel. When fate places Bonnie in England for a summer - conveniently close to Theo - she realizes a hot friends-with-benefits fling is exactly what she needs to start a fresh chapter. Just as Bonnie begins to believe she's falling in love, an eye-opening revelation into Theo's life makes Bonnie feel like she's wandered into one of her favorite books. Will Bonnie have the courage to risk her heart and turn the page with the dashing Brit to find her true happy ending after all?




Harold, a widower and a retired government worker, misses his wife and decides to take up a hobby. Courageously stepping out of his shell, he joins a scuba diving class, where he meets a vivacious widow and discovers new adventures.

Attractive and fun-loving Aletha spices up Harold's mostly routine life with one surprise after another. Neither of them expect any obstacles to a nice relationship, but everything - from sexual malfunction to legalese to Aletha's new career - seems to interfere.

Will they ever find married bliss?



Some other possible summer-themed books to read:

25151956. sy475 2328173117373310


I write sensual paranormal and historical romances. Interested in learning more about my stories? Sign-up for my newsletter where you'll learn about my new book releases, updates on my works-in-progress, writing tips, book reviews, contests, and other fun book-related info!
You can Follow me on ...





a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks for visiting!

And thanks to The Kids Did It & The Mommy Island for hosting this event! 

Be sure to check out the other blogs in this bloghop 

for a chance to win cool prizes!



Sunday, July 14, 2019

Summer Reading, Summer Romance #Giveaway #Bloghop for #BookLovers




This summer is full of giveaways!

Here's another chance to win a $15 Amazon Gift Card.

On your way to entering the contest, 
here's some summer reading you might be interested in. 

Go ahead, take a look!

Guardian: A Limited-Edition Collection of Alpha Wolves by [Morgan, Nicole, Greenwood, Laura , Treacy, Laurie , Titus, Lori, Glasneck, Tina, Tape, Arizona, Mercer, Donna R. , Carver, Misha, Parrish, Kat, Phoenix , Harper, Schneider, Tricia, Landis, Nikki, Mullin, Deelylah, Ames, Krista, Hanrahan, Trinity]

Kindle EditionKindle EditionKindle EditionKindle EditionKindle EditionKindle EditionKindle EditionKindle EditionKindle EditionKindle EditionKindle EditionKindle Edition

There's more on the way!


Special thanks for hosting this blog hop!
&




a Rafflecopter giveaway




Tuesday, July 9, 2019

Fun in the Sun ~ Summer Palooza #Prizes #Booklovers



Take a look at some great summer reading as you scroll down to enter for a chance to win!


Prizes include:
GRAND PRIZE (over $250 value):
$150 Amazon Gift Card 
Amazon Fire TV Stick
New Kindle Fire

1st Prize (over $180 value):
$100 Amazon Gift Card 
New Kindle Fire

2nd Prize:
$50 Amazon Gift Card

3rd Prize:
$25 Amazon Gift Card

Enter Here


Don't forget to Preorder Fire & Ice!


Wednesday, June 19, 2019

Summer Fun - Favorite Things to Do



Today's topic: Favorite Things to do in the Summer

My favorite things to do in the summer always involve my children. While I have three active Scouts, we typically have a summer filled with camping, hiking, fishing, swimming and all sorts of outdoor activities. The school where my kids attend also offers summer programs. There are trips to the local vocational school where they attend workshops and learn new skills. And every year, I enroll my kids in swimming lessons. I love watching them glow with pride at the new abilities they learn as they advance through the levels. I call them my little fish, although my daughter argues that she's a mermaid.

Our amusement park of choice is Knoebels Grove. With free admission and free parking, you can't really go wrong here. Pay only for the rides you want to go on or buy an all day pass. Set in a beautiful shady grove, it provides a much needed respite from the summer sun and heat. There's rides for all ages. I've been going here since I was a kid. My favorite is still the Haunted House!

I've become an expert at searching the local community websites for free or low cost activities. With four kids, prices always add up. Lucky for us, there are many fun things to do.

There's a movie theater that offers $1 days. There are low cost craft activities at some of the local stores. With enough searching, I found free tours at nearby museums. There are also some battlefields that are close, such as Gettysburg, where the kids and I can walk and learn about history. I'm also quite knowledgeable about the local ghost activity which is fun to talk about with the kids. When they're older, I'd love to take them on some ghost tours!

I also love attending Native American Pow-wows. There are always a few scheduled nearby. Some are free, some are a low admission. Then we spend the day watching the dancers, listening to the music, talking to the people and admiring their crafts and other items. There's usually some games. Throwing a tomahawk is fun! I'm a natural. And then there's the dancing. My kids and I often dance within the circle with the other dancers. My favorite part of the event!






Do you know what my kid's favorite activity is in the summer? The one thing they ask for again and again?

A picnic.

That's it.

I took them on a picnic a couple of years ago in a park near a covered bridge not far from my home. It was an impromptu event. We were in the area doing some shopping and we were hungry. Instead of sitting in a crowded restaurant, we grabbed some food through the drive-thru and settled on a picnic bench in a peaceful park with huge trees and a river flowing beneath the old covered bridge. It was a tranquil, lovely summer day.

And my kids continue to mention it every summer.

So, a simple picnic is a must. We've done this lots of times now. Usually, it's at a park with a walking path of sorts, so we'll eat our food on a bench or a table if there's one or we'll grab a blanket from the car and settle on the grass. After we're done eating, we talk a walk and enjoy nature.

I always look forward to summer because the kids are home from school. We don't have all the homework or tests to study for. Everyone can relax and just enjoy life.


Happy Reading!
~Tricia





I write sensual paranormal and historical romances. Interested in learning more about my stories? Sign-up for my newsletter where you'll learn about my new book releases, updates on my works-in-progress, writing tips, book reviews, contests, and other fun book-related info!

You can Follow me on ...



Wednesday, July 12, 2017

Summer Writing Blues #AuthorUpdate #amwriting

Summer is in full swing! Many of you are currently on vacation or have plans for a nice summer escape whether its traveling somewhere or staying at home to simply turn the pages of a good book. Or maybe both!

My favorite part of summer is lounging outside on a comfy porch swing and reading the day away. Honestly, though, I haven't had much opportunity for such luxuries. My kids are keeping me rather busy this summer. Busier than most other summers.

And, oh, how my writing has suffered as a result! I barely wrote a word for the entire month of June! It's been constant chaos and noise (varying from laughter to crying, depending on which of my  children are getting along and which are fighting). I have 4 children (ages 2, 6, 9, & 11). Then there's swimming lessons, kid's craft workshops, Scouting activities, trips to the library and local museums and summer camps. I'm also working with my oldest this summer to prepare him for the upcoming school year. Last year, he struggled with his grades and I don't want him to suffer the summer slide that the teachers tell me often happens to students during vacation.

Needless to say, my typical writing during the baby's nap time schedule has gone with the summer wind. I resorted to writing at night again, after the kids go to bed, but I continue to struggle with this time frame since I tend to fall asleep early. Really, I love them dearly, but my kids exhaust me! Since writing at night isn't working to my liking, my next option is negotiating with them.




Maybe this will work...

"If Mommy doesn't get any writing time, 
then kids don't get any PlayStation time."

I haven't dared implement this...yet. It's my secret weapon. I'm still trying to figure out which part of the day I'm going to squeeze in a writing hour or two before I make my demands.

Also, to encourage me to buckle down and make this work, I've joined Camp NaNo. With the summer Nano, I can choose my own word count goal to suit my needs and change it as I see fit. I can also choose my own type of writing project. I've started a new novel. Realistically, I know that I won't be able to churn out 50k so I've shaved that in half for a goal of 25k this month. I'm hoping that will give me a nice chunk to begin and I can continue on in August.

I did well enough last week. This week, I've faltered. The Summer Writing Blues hit.

No time. No quiet. No escape. 

However, I know I won't give up. I've tried to in the past, it just doesn't stick. So, I'll figure it out. It might take me all summer, but I'll find my precious writing time. Even if I have to resort taking 5 to 15 minute sprints I used to write when my two oldest boys were toddlers.

I'll make it work. 

That's what writers do. 


Happy Reading!
Tricia

Friday, July 22, 2016

Summer Palace #TWRP Summer Treats & Reads #BlogHop

The Wild Rose Press Authors have joined together to bring you the Summer Treats & Reads Blog Hop! From July 22-30, check out a variety of blogs for summer-themed posts and great prizes! And don't forget to enter the Grand Prize - 
a Kindle Fire donated by The Wild Rose Press! 

For many people, summer is a time for travel! Exotic locations, historical destinations, a relaxing getaway... Summer vacations can be taken anywhere. As for vacation destinations, I highly recommend Europe! Years ago, my husband and I visited friends living in Germany where we spent two wonderful weeks touring the town and countryside. My favorites places were, of course, the castles and palaces!

For this Summer Treat post, let me show you the Summer Home of the Bamberg Prince-Bishops...


Located in Memmelsdorf, the Schloss Seehof was built in 1687 as a hunting lodge and summer residence for Prince-Bishop Marquard Sebastian Schenk von Stauffenberg.

The palace gate.


Beside the Seehof Palace gate is the area which housed the guard's men and stables. It's now converted into a restaurant. My husband and I ate breakfast here. I was grateful for all those German language lessons I took in high school assisting me with ordering our Fruhstuck! 


The Seehof Palace is an enclosed four-wing structure with corner towers giving the impression of a fortress. It's also known as "Marquandsburg" or Marquand's Fortress. 


Perhaps what's best known about this palace is the fountains. 
It's an interesting feature that attracts many visitors.


The baroque-styled water garden fountains are a splendid sight!


The first day we arrived at Seehof Palace, the place was closed to tourists, so we spent some time simply wandering about the area, absorbing the atmosphere and history. We sat on a bench in the inner garden, wondering what life was like living here in a palace that served as a Summer Home.

The next day when we returned, we had the opportunity to take a tour. The guide began the tour speaking German (as expected!) and we were quite happy to listen to as much as we could understand. At the time, I knew more German than my husband, so I tried to translate as much as I could, but back then I was still just a beginner. Just viewing the magnificent beauty of the rooms was enough to leave us in awe. We would've been content with just that much.

However, there was an elderly German couple on the tour along with us and when they heard me whispering my horribly rough translations, they were so generous to ask the tour guide if she could speak English for the rest of the tour. We were so surprised and incredibly grateful, thanking them numerous times for their kindness. The couple explained that they've been on this same tour around five times and it would be nice to brush up on their English. So, the tour was given by both the tour guide and the elderly couple who added exceptional knowledge of the palace's history.

They told us that Schloss Seehof served as the childhood summer vacation home for Marie Antoinette and her family. There's a family portrait of her and her siblings in one of the ornately decorated rooms. As well as portraits of her mother, Marie Theresa of Habsburg, and her father, the Holy Roman Emperor, Francis I. 


  
Along with the tour of the palace and a view of the fountains, we also walked along the walking trails and shrubbery mazes. There were dozens of stone figures to admire and benches placed strategically to relax. 






The extensive grounds are incredibly beautiful. We met many people taking their daily strolls along the paths. And there was much wildlife in the fish ponds along the walking trails.









No flash photography was allowed inside the palace when we visited, so I couldn't take any photos of the inside, but I did find a site where you can go on a virtual tour of the palace so you can experience the incredible beauty of the artwork and architecture. I do remember in the "White Hall" we had to wear slippers so as not to damage the floor with our shoes. The ceiling was breathtakingly gorgeous!

I hope you enjoyed learning about a unique Summer Vacation Home! Now, it's time for the prizes! :)

For this blog hop, I'm giving away a copy of The Witch's Thief. Although the majority of the book takes place in England, the first chapter is set in Bavaria, Germany, so I thought it was an appropriate choice for a prize! :)
 




To save her sister's life, Julia Grey seeks a spell hidden somewhere within Merriweather Manor. Her position as a lady's companion affords her the freedom to search the house. But time is running out. The necromancer she's bargained with is growing impatient. And an unexpected appearance of a man from her past makes matters worse in an already complicated situation.

Basil Merriweather returns to England after ten years abroad to discover his childhood sweetheart living in his home. But, he's no longer the carefree man of his youth and she's hiding something--deadly secrets Basil vows to uncover even as he hides a dark secret of his own.

While neither Basil nor Julia will trust in the other, their hearts speak a truer language. In a grand attempt to save Julia's sister and Basil's life, the two must finally confess sinister truths. Will their admissions help or hinder any future they may have together? Or will the necromancer destroy all in a vile attempt at revenge?






a Rafflecopter giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Be sure to check out the other blogs on this hop 
for chances to win more prizes!

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Hot Summer Romance Give@way Hop ~ Beach Reads





One thing I love about summer is picking my list of Beach Reads.

I always look forward to stocking up on my summertime books. Whether I go to the beach or not, there's always summer vacation!

Reading is an all year activity for me, but I also read seasonally. I like to read summery books (involving stories with beach or island settings or those that take place at sea) during the summer and wintry books (settings that take place during blizzards or with Christmas themes) during winter. Makes sense, yes?  Well, I guess it makes sense to some. My husband doesn't agree. He thinks I'm...eccentric. Not quite the word he used, but that's what I'm going with. And I know I'm not the only one who reads this way. I worked 12 years in a bookstore; I've met other readers who do the same. I'm not alone!

I made a list of summer books I'd like to read this year. I know I won't get to all of them (I have writing deadlines!). That's okay! I can bend the rules now and then to read them whenever I want! :)

  • Secrets of a Summer Wallflower by Lisa Kleypas
  • Summer Secrets by Barbara Freethy 
  • Midsummer Moon by Laura Kinsale
  • Swept Away by Marsha Canham
  • Dance Upon the Air by Nora Roberts
  • The Shipwreck by Glynnis Campbell

****Are you a seasonal reader? Do you have any Beach Reads or Summer Vacation Books you plan to read this summer? Share with us! I'm always looking to add to my TBR! Comment for a chance to WIN a KINDLE or PDF version of THE WITCH AND THE WOLF.

Now, I give you fair warning. The Witch and the Wolf is not a beach read (for me). It's a winter time book. But,  maybe you aren't a seasonal reader. Maybe you like to read summer books in the winter and winter books in the summer. Either way, I hope you'll enjoy my historical paranormal romance. Even I can't wait to read some books! :)

If you can't wait to read my books (I adore you!) then you can purchase them from The Wild Rose Press or Kindle. There are two currently available in The Merriweather Witches series with the third to be released hopefully by the end of the year. More to come on that another day!

Here's a little about the The Witch and the Wolf:


Lord Jeremy North's curse is to become a werewolf during every full moon, turning into a bloodthirsty monster that kills with no remorse. When he finds a woman nearly frozen upon his doorstep, his sense of honor compels him to help her, even at the risk he might kill her himself.



Lillian Merriweather hadn't planned to get caught in a blizzard while traveling the English countryside. Nor had she planned on finding refuge in a house full of secrets. But Lillian has secrets of her own. And what she's running from is not far behind...

Excerpt:

There were several moments Jeremy North suspected he suffered hallucinations. Most of those times had been when he had first begun to change into the beast during the full moon. And now, as he answered the knocking he had at first imagined to be the pounding in his skull, he wondered if the brandy he had been drinking this evening was perhaps tainted. He could not quite believe his eyes.

A woman stood on his doorstep, covered in a layer of snow, her bright blue eyes silently pleading to him just before her eyelids fluttered closed, and she crumpled at his feet. He managed to set the candle down safely on a table in time to catch her before she cracked her head on the stone beneath her. He lifted her effortlessly into his arms, brought her into the house, slamming the door closed with his foot. He hurried into the library with his unexpected guest. North had returned earlier seeking the warm oblivion of yet another glass of brandy. He grimaced at the memory of countless other sleep-deprived nights spent in much the same way. Sans an unconscious woman, however.

He placed the bundled woman onto the sofa, ignoring the fact that the snow was bound to create a water stain on the fabric once it melted. He leaned over her, pushing the curly brown strands of wet hair off her face and checked to see if she still breathed. Satisfied when he felt her breath on his hand, he went back to the corridor.

“Amery!” He roared.

Turning back to the woman on his sofa, he again felt the necessity to blink his eyes, wondering if they played a trick with his senses. He lit more candles to brighten the room and added more wood to the fire. Then he walked back to the woman and knelt at her side. He found her hand dangling over the edge of the sofa and took it gently in his, the digits frozen stiff. He inhaled a gasp. He cupped both of his hands instinctively around hers, hoping to lend her his warmth.

He heard the shuffle from the hallway and Amery’s muttering, then a noisy yawn.

“Bloody hell! What is this?” Amery bellowed from the doorway.

North ignored the query. “We need blankets,” he said, instead. “She’s frozen through.”

Amery nodded and left.

A muffled groan from behind drew his attention, and he turned to see the woman’s eyelids flutter open. He inhaled sharply as her bright blue gaze fell upon him.

She studied him for a moment.

And then, she smiled.


Be sure to check out the other blogs participating in this hop! Lots and lots of cool prizes!  

This blog hop has two Grand Prizes
#1 is a Kindle Fire
#2 is a $50 Amazon.com gift certificate

Everyone who comments on this blog will be entered for a chance to win the Grand Prize as well as a chance to win a copy of  
The Witch and the Wolf!

Good luck!