In the Harem: March 2020

03/05/2020

Chasing Ginger, book one of The Misfits Series by Marie Lavender

Book Genres:

Steamy Romantic Comedy, Chick Lit, BBW/Curvy/Rubenesque Romance, Billionaire Romance

Blurb:

Chased by a group of angry men. Saved by quite a hunk.

This is not the résumé Ginger Halloway ever imagined having. But thanks to a miracle pill, which makes her size 22 body instantly sexy, that’s what happened.

Yet, now Lance Franklin is showing interest in her, and she can’t figure out if he really likes her for her, or if it’s just because of a bizarre drug.

And her wild bunch of friends, The Misfits…well, they’re always getting her into some interesting situations.

So, yep, business as usual. Except for the guy. What the hell should she do about him?

As for Lance, he believes he’s lucky to have found Ginger. But can he convince her they should go for it?

With some new attention from the hottest guy she’s ever met, Ginger can’t help but wonder…is this all too good to be true?

(CONTENT WARNING: Watch for foul language, steamy scenes, and a pesky yet messy ability to choke on your dinner while laughing. If you’ve come expecting just a lighthearted, slapstick romance, you may not get that here. The author approaches sensitive topics in the best way she knows how. Just be prepared for all the feels to be deeper than usual for this genre – an emotional romantic comedy. No unruly cliffhangers, HEA guaranteed.)

Teaser Excerpt:

Ginger cleared her throat. “Well, I guess that’s my cue.”

“Right. It was a pleasure meeting you.”

“Yes, it was interesting, to say the least. Thank you for the ride.”

He chuckled. “My pleasure. I hope you’re okay, after all that happened.”

“Yes, I’m fine. Nothing is broken.” Well, besides her sore muscles. She never planned to run down the street in her damn heels again. At least, if she could help it. Better yet, she would have to invest in some Nike Downshifters soon. Her own tennis shoes were pretty worn out.

“Happy to hear it.” As he put his hand out to her, she took it.

This didn’t feel quite like the usual handshake, however. When his warm palm brushed her skin, she wanted to get so much closer. Down, girl!

“I hope your appointment goes well.”

“Like I said, it’s routine. Nothing to worry about.”

“All right. Have a nice night.”

“You too.” She reached over and went for the door.

“Please. Allow me.” He exited the car, then opened her door instead of waiting on his driver to perform the duty. Which was so polite, considering how wealthy the man must be. When he offered his hand again, she accepted, tried hard not to lean into him.

But as she drew herself from the vehicle, her stupid green heels picked that moment to bend her ankles nearly in half. Gasping, she stumbled, and her fingertips met a firm obstacle. It took a second to register Lance had grasped her around the waist to steady her. Those blue eyes blinked in surprise.

Mortified, she stammered, “Ah, forgive me. I’m clumsy.” Which wasn’t often the case. Despite her size, she was adept in walking or dancing in high heels. Another reason this situation was so awkward.

He grinned. “No harm done.”

Oh, damn…why did he have to smell so good? His unique cologne was like heaven in her nose. Her insides unfurled, stirring in a way she’d never felt before. She clenched her nails on his silken dress shirt, as he’d discarded his blazer in the car. Exposed now, his shoulders appeared broader. Irresistible. She wished fate would stop sending signs this man was the type she should be attracted to; she knew better than to fall for such a fairytale.

Universal Reader Link:

https://books2read.com/ChasingGinger

Marie Lavender, Multi-Genre Author, and Blogger

Official Website:

http://marielavender.com/

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03/04/2020

Welcome to Day 5 of the "COMES THIS TIME TO FLOAT" Blog Tour! @stephengeez #FreshInkGroup

Salutations!

Delighted, I am, to catch you here at Day 5 of 7! I am humbled by the kindness of my wondrous host for sharing some blog space today. I hope to interest you bookish types in trying my first book in way too many years, this my only collection of short fiction: Comes this Time to Float: 19 Short Stories by Stephen Geez. You could add another “by Stephen Geez” to that, as I put the moniker in the subtitle, too. I’d be forcing it to find a theme, except maybe that all my stories try to look at something I think is important, but told in a decorative sort of way. Written here and there among novels over two decades, they show a variety of genres and styles, as I get restless. Now they’re tucked between jacketed hardcovers and softs, or in e-however-you-likes.

The Enticement

Each tour stop will offer the opening paragraphs of a story from the book, then link to the full story online. Two will also link to audio-shorts narrated by me. The promo video my cohort and I made will be foisted on you every day. We like to use narrators, but that didn’t seem right for my own trailer, so, well yeah, me. On the last day, assuming anyone comments, we’ll tell you how to find out if you’re a random book winner and try one more story in both text and audio. If any impress you, check out my widely varying novels and collection of memoir essays. Find any blogs you miss on the Events page at 4WillsPublishing.com, link below. Be sure to follow our hosts’ blogs and discover their writing, maybe post a thank-you-too.

And you, I thank you, too.

A Geez Author Blurb

Stephen Geez grew up in the Detroit suburbs during the American-auto domination. He earned his undergraduate and master’s degrees at the University of Michigan—Ann Arbor. He retired from scripting/producing television and composing/producing television music, then expanded his small literary management firm into indie-publisher and multi-media company Fresh Ink Group. Now he works from a deck overlooking the lake in north Alabama, helping other writers share their compelling narratives with the world.

The Book Blurb

Prepare to think as you explore these wildly disparate literary short stories by author, composer, and producer Stephen Geez. Avoiding any single genre, this collection showcases Geez’s storytelling from southern gothic to contemporary drama to coming-of-age, humor, sci-fi, and fantasy—all finessed to say something about who we are and what we seek. Some of these have been passed around enough to need a shot of penicillin, others so virgin they have never known the seductive gaze of a reader’s eyes. So when life’s currents get to pulling too hard, don’t fight it, just open the book and discover nineteen new ways of going with the flow, because NOW more than ever Comes this Time to Float.

The Promo Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0wJSjEtqhk

Today’s Sample: “Sidekick”

I just figured out something all superheroes should know about our sidekicks.

I happened upon my own sidekick long before I grew up and stepped into the role of hero, way back when I was just a regular suburban kid with no inkling of my destiny as the savior of countless lives. Never a fan of those other heroes who star in their own comic books, I had no idea what a sidekick is supposed to do, let alone how much I would even need one.

And now, after decades working with my own sidekick for the common good, something has gone horribly wrong, and the blood is coming too fast, the injuries too severe, time too short. It’s breaking my heart that our era as superhero and sidekick is about to end.

I was nine or ten years old when the world’s most unlikely wannabe sidekick and his single-parent mom moved to our town. They set up housekeeping in that leaky rat’s nest of an old farmhouse down the dirt road where overgrown fields pushed feebly against encroaching scrub. Two years younger than I, skinny and smallish for his age, he tried to look passable in tattered second-hand clothes usually sized too big or too small. Ever the bully magnet, he liked to pedal around on his chain-throwing rattletrap bicycle, a mismatch of old parts he’d scavenged. Since I was the only boy who didn’t taunt him or push him down, he got to where he’d follow me about, hoping to join in while I hung out with others, but mostly content to hover at the periphery. He knew his place, but never acted resentful, instead of appearing grateful for the tolerated proximity. No matter how much I ignored him, though, he often seemed to be watching me intently, studying me, as if appraising something only he could see.

Catching me alone with nowhere particular to go one day, he said he had a secret to tell me. He looked around as if worried someone might approach with bad intent. “Not here,” he whispered.

Now, as piqued as preteen boys are about mysteries, they’re just as skeptical of other boys’ promises of intrigue, except that he looked so serious my curiosity won out. “Just tell me,” I insisted, but he wiped his nose on his sleeve, then simply looked me straight in the eyes and waited, for once not looking so jumpy and scared.