Inspiration photos for Beth's wedding dress (My Once and Future Love Revisited #5)

Beth's Wedding Dress

I've had the concept of the dress in mind for a long time. Here are some samples:

For more details about COMPLETED, click here.

New Release: The Roommate - coming April 19, 2016! #romance #books

The Roommate

$2.99. 4/19/2016. Contemporary Romance.

Jessica and Rosalind have had a BFF Chip since 7th grade--the ultimate best friend favor. At age 25, Ros calls in her chip. Her brother lands in an hour. And he needs a place to crash. For more than one night. No problem, right? It's not Patrick's fault his big sister forgot he was moving to L.A., so Jess picks him up at LAX, expecting the same slight and nerdy boy she last saw in high school.

Patrick's still a nerd--coming for a new IT job--but he's all grown up and more gorgeous than any best friend's little brother has a right to be. Jess makes a concerted effort to see him as a friend, but it's difficult when he walks around her apartment in only a towel. When Ros completely bails on them, Jess proposes pooling their money into a two-bedroom and officially becoming roommates. Patrick is polite, sweet, clean, and cooks. What could go wrong?

Jess could fall in love with him.

This story is intended for readers over the age of 18 due to adult language, sexual content, and adult situations.

Smashwords Goodreads 

Pre-order links: Apple | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | 

Meet Jessica and Patrick! #contemporaryromance #books #WIP #SaturdaySnippet

This is a contemporary romance about a young woman with an apartment and her BFF's brother that needs a place to stay.

Jessica Brookfield - age 25.
Patrick Clark - age 24.
Rosalind Clark (BFF and sister) - age 25.
Setting - Los Angeles.


Sample:

“Jess, thank God! Where have you been? Never mind—I need to call in a BFF chip.”

“Slow down, Ros. What’s wrong?”  It had to be big if she was calling in a best friend favor.

“Patrick lands in an hour and I’m stuck in Chicago.”

“Ricky’s coming to town? Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Uh, ‘cause work has been crazy and I forgot? I need you to give him a place to crash.”

“Okay, I can pick him up and he can sleep on my couch until you get home.”

“That’s not the favor. Jess…”

Uh-oh.  “Spit it out, Ros.”

“My building is closed for repairs, as you know. I’m living out of hotels. Patrick got a job that asked him to be in L.A. in three days, so he’s moving here with no time to find an apartment. Do you see what I’m getting at here?”

I sighed.  “You can’t host your little brother until he’s on his feet so you’re making me do it.”  The BFF chip was a pact we made in seventh grade.  Name it and the best friend had to accept the favor, as it was meant for emergencies.  We’d never used it as adults.

“I love you, you’re the best. I’m sure he won’t be any trouble! I’ll forward you the flight info so you know where to pick him up.”

“Wait—”  But she’d already hung up.  I tried calling her back and it went to voice mail.  Bitch.

My phone buzzed, telling me I had a new e-mail.  Patrick’s info.  I grabbed my purse and headed to LAX to meet him in Baggage Claim for his terminal.  Ros owed me big time for this.

Last time I saw Patrick—Little Ricky to family—was high school graduation night for me and Ros.  That was seven years ago.

He was an oops, born eleven months after his sister, and a nerdy, skinny, quiet kid.  Since Ros and I had been BFFs since kindergarten, Ricky had tagged along on many occasions, until we reached high school.  You know how it is.  Last thing Ros wanted was to be seen on school grounds with her decidedly uncool little brother.

Went through the nightmare of parking at LAX, then searched for the right terminal.  I’d found a piece of paper to write his name on the back in case we didn’t recognize each other.  Been a long time, after all.  As one of the biggest and busiest airports in the country, LAX was a zoo except in the middle of the night, so I was doing my best dodging dance around people and luggage.  I’m not a big girl.  People running into me tend to knock me over.

I ducked to avoid a tall man’s backpack only to get my legs run into by someone else’s cart, and landed on my butt.  A large hand appeared in my vision and I accepted the hand up before looking at who it was attached to.

“You alright, miss?” asked a deep voice.

Tilted my head up—and up.  The guy must’ve been six-foot-three at least.  “Thanks, yeah.”  Thick frame glasses, the curly hair…  “Ricky?”

His eyes widened.  “Jessica. Did you come with Rosalind?”

I was staring.  Anyone could see it.  I couldn’t help it.  In place of the scrawny kid barely taller than me was a hunk of hotness too yummy to be real.

“Jess?”  That voice saying my name…dear God, there was no way he could stay with me arriving with all of that.

“Sorry. You, uh, you look different than…um, no, Ros isn’t here. She’s in Chicago. Surprise… She asked me to pick you up.”

“I see. Well, I haven’t picked up my suitcase, yet, so we should—”

“Right, the carousel.”  Pivoting on my heel, I led the way to where other passengers were waiting for their belongings.  Get a grip, Jessica!

I could do this.  I could get my best friend’s surprisingly hot younger brother—never think of him as little again—to a meal and a place to stay.  Easy-peasy, right?

Patrick grabbed a large black suitcase that matched his carry-on.  “You’re parked nearby?”

“In the closest parking structure, yup.”  God, everything out of my mouth right now sounded idiotic.  “So…Ros said you got a job here?”

“Yes, as a System Analyst.”

“I have no idea what that is.”

“It’s an IT job.”

“Oh. Computers. You were always good with ‘em.”  Shut up, shut up! 

“I appreciate you coming to get me on assuredly short notice, so you can drop me off at Rosalind’s apartment and I’ll be out of your hair.”  Where I’d had to dodge all the people coming and going, the crowd naturally parted for Patrick.  Tall guys had all the luck.

“Yeah, that’s…not possible.”  He quirked a dark brow.  Why did I keep looking at him?  “Ros’ building has some code violation and they’ve temporarily evacuated all the tenants.”

“And she’s in Chicago.”

“Right. Stuck. Probably weather or something. She called me an hour before you were supposed to land and asked for a favor. Sorry.”

“I’m guessing she asked for more than giving me a ride.”

Oh, I’d ride him alright—augh, no!  Bad brain!  “You know your sister.”

We reached my car and I pressed the unlock button on my fob, then popped the trunk.  Patrick heaved his luggage into the compartment with ease.  Where had all those muscles come from?  IT guys usually didn’t look like they went to the gym.  Shaking my head, I opened the driver-side door and sat down.  The trunk lid closed, then he sat next to me a couple seconds later, and moved the seat back so his knees weren’t hitting the glove compartment.

“Jess, I don’t want to be a bother—”

“You’re not! Of course not. We’re practically family. Ros is the PITA, not you.”

“Okay…well, normally I’d ask you to drop me at a motel, but…this is embarrassing to admit—”

“What?”

“I can’t afford one,” he said quietly.  Color tinted his cheek.

“Oh. Because the new job hasn’t—”

“Started. Yes. Rosalind was supposed to—”

“I understand.”  Better than I did when she called, now.

“Thank you. I assume Rosalind has somewhere to stay while her apartment is under repair. Do you have a key?”

Curse Ros’ lack of communication.  “There’s no key. She’s been living out of hotels, since she travels a lot for work, anyway, so I have nowhere to take you but my sofa.”

Take you…sofa…geeze, I was a total gutter brain around this guy.


Pre-order now.

Read An E-Book Week March 6-12, 2016 #RAEW #Smashwords #books

Read An E-book Week - 3/6/16 - 3/12/16

Smashwords Read an Ebook Week Catalog - This is the hub of the action, where you find over 61,000 multi-format books regularly priced at free every day, and thousands more that are free or deep-discounted during Read an Ebook Week for one week only. Browse the catalog by discount categories of FREE, 75%-off, 50%-off, and 25% off.

All my single titles are 50% off here

Kissed

Betrayed

Forgiven

Loved

Dylan and Jen

Spotlight: GODDESS by @vivianlanewrite releases today! #bookpromo #UF #PNR

Goddess (Children of Ossiria #3) Release Day

Free of the burden of knowledge about the future, William and Carys start dating, which isn’t without its challenges. Some of Carys’ friends don’t approve of the vampire and Carys is carrying baggage from her previous relationship that rears its head every time she and William get close. Trusting him with her life is easy. Trusting him with her heart is terrifying.

Meanwhile, a new and sinister supernatural threat arrives in Southern California. The Valarakan have been warriors for thousands of years, so our team of heroes will have to be on top of their game to beat them, but discover too late that Carys’ true destiny as Protector is much more life-changing than anyone could've predicted.

Picks up where TRAVELER ended.

This story is intended for readers over the age of 18 due to adult situations.


76,000 words. $4.99. March 1, 2016. Barnes and Noble | Apple | Amazon |

Protector by @vivianlanewrite #books #newrelease #vampires #bookpromo #fantasy

Protector by Vivian Lane

Apple | Barnes and Noble | Amazon | Kobo |

First in a new series! 

Carys Taylor has her life perfectly under control. Equipped with a nice inheritance, she goes where she wants, when she wants, pursuing anything that interests her. So when her old professor asks her to come on a research trip for his thesis, she's eager to tag along. 

Until that ill-fated trip to the South American jungle changes her into a supernatural being. Now she's sprouting claws and stronger and faster than any human being in existence. The reclusive tribe calls her their Protector - but from what? And why now? Why her? 

Carys is pulled into a world she never knew existed. Is she up to the task?

Bio:

Writer of supernatural badasses.

Vivian Lane is an American author. Born a Gemini, her interests fall under a myriad of subjects including classical music, American and World History; fantasy books, TV shows, and movies; travel, marine biology, and fashion.

Children of Ossiria:
The First Vampires
Protector - January 1, 2016
Traveler - coming February 1, 2016
Book #3 - coming March 1, 2016

Echoes of Ossiria: Strange Allies:
Seven Awakened
Strange Allies
Saving Charlotte


Facebook Page | Twitter | Blog | Goodreads

DYLAN AND JEN #free for the holidays! #Christmas #romance

Dylan and Jen - free novella!

Apple
Barnes and Noble
Kobo

Smashwords

Dylan is the bassist for Jake Lindsey's band, but not when he's in his hometown. It's Christmas Eve and a sudden, strong blizzard has left the mountain submerged in snow, wrecking his plan to drive back to Los Angeles in time to attend Jake and Beth's party Christmas Day.

Jennifer's family was coming to spend the holiday at her cabin, but the storm is keeping them off the mountain. Resigned to entertaining herself for the night, she's startled by someone pounding on her front door--a handsome man needing shelter from the storm. Dylan is sweet, funny, and so damn hot she can't resist learning what he has to offer.

Was this a single night of passion, or the beginning of lasting love?

This story is intended for readers over the age of 18 due to adult language, sexual content, and adult situations. 

My Once and Future Love Revisited series stand-alone story. Takes place after Completed. Minor spoilers for Jacob and Beth. 

This book is $0.99 at Amazon | Amazon UK 

Read the MY ONCE AND FUTURE LOVE REVISITED series, yet? #romance #FridayReads

Amazon
Amazon UK
Apple
ARe
BarnesAndNoble
Kobo
Smashwords
FictionPress

Apple e-book. ARe. Amazon. Barnes and Noble. Smashwords.

Barnes and Noble e-book. Apple e-book. ARe. Smashwords.

Barnes and Noble. Apple. ARe. Smashwords. Amazon.

And coming in 2016....

Apple pre-order | Kobo pre-order | Barnes and Noble pre-order |

"The Intern" was fantastic! #moviereview

"The Intern" review

Summary: 70-year-old widower Ben Whittaker has discovered that retirement isn't all it's cracked up to be. Seizing an opportunity to get back in the game, he becomes a senior intern at an online fashion site, founded and run by Jules Ostin.

Rated PG-13. 121 minutes.

My short review is that everyone will want a friend like Ben, Robert De Niro's character.

The long version: Ben is a retired widow that's done everything he could think of to spend his time, yet he's still unfulfilled. When he spots a flyer for a senior intern program - that asks for a video application - he jumps on the opportunity to be useful. Jules' partner assigns Ben to her, but she isn't interested in having an intern at first. Ben is very observant, though, as well as charming and a true gentleman, and eventually wins her over. He has many years of work experience, after all. What starts as a great working relationship becomes a truly beautiful friendship the audience knows will last to the end of the characters' lives.

There are story surprises I loved. Anne and De Niro have great chemistry. There's also a fantastic supporting cast that really fleshes out the workplace, including Rene Russo. There isn't a single thing I would change. As Anne Hathaway described the film, it's a love story about a friendship. My previous Nancy Meyers movie review is here. Like It's Complicated, this movie is a comedy with actual grown-up characters and lots of heart. And it looks amazing. Meyers' aesthetic is gorgeous.

The movie premiered in theaters this weekend. Go see it!

Back to School Romance Party!

Sept. 15, 2015

An online party celebrating New Adult Romance set in colleges and universities! 

Hosted by Cecilia Tan, Abigail Strom, Suzanne Rock, Rebecca Grace Allen, Victoria Adams, Carla Krae, & Kimbra Kasch!

Join us for giveaways, prizes, exclusive excerpts, and discussion of your favorite back-to-school romances!

Hosting schedule (Eastern Time):

 

4pm Cecilia Tan
5pm Victoria Adams
6pm Carla Krae
7pm Suzanne Rock
8pm Rebecca Grace Allen
9pm Kimbra Kasch
10pm Abigail Strom
11pm Cecilia Tan


https://www.facebook.com/events/1647147665517621/

New Story Excerpt - The whole band at Mikey's house. #amwriting #WIP #rockstars

NEW!

I've been working on Mike and Hannah's story. On 7/23, I posted "Just wrote a chapter of the whole band hanging out and giving each other crap." 

Here's a sample of that. It's a Sunday and the band has a rare day to chill. Mike's POV:

Christmas in July Party! #rockstarromance #independenceday

Christmas in July Facebook Party

Jul 4 at 6:00am to Jul 6 at 9:00am (UTC+10).

A bring-a-book party for authors to post their free books and readers to scoop them up. Living in the southern hemisphere, Aussies often host Christmas in July parties. Everyone is welcome! 

Please join and share.

I'll be sharing DYLAN AND JEN this weekend!

Dylan is the bassist for Jake Lindsey's band, but not when he's in his hometown. It's Christmas Eve and a sudden, strong blizzard has left the mountain submerged in snow, wrecking his plan to drive back to Los Angeles in time to attend Jake and Beth's party Christmas Day.

Jennifer's family was coming to spend the holiday at her cabin, but the storm is keeping them off the mountain. Resigned to entertaining herself for the night, she's startled by someone pounding on her front door--a handsome man needing shelter from the storm. Dylan is sweet, funny, and so damn hot she can't resist learning what he has to offer.

Was this a single night of passion, or the beginning of lasting love?

This story is intended for readers over the age of 18 due to adult language, sexual content, and adult situations. 

My Once and Future Love Revisited series stand-alone story. Takes place after Beth and Jacob's final book. Minor spoilers.  

Amazon.
Smashwords.
Apple.
Barnes and Noble.
Kobo.
ARe.

#WIPWednesday 2015 Excerpt #5 by @carlakrae #contemporaryromance #amwriting

WIP Wednesday #5

Here's excerpt #1. And excerpt #2. And excerpt #3. And excerpt #4.

The weeks preceding the Grammys had been comfortable, so Beth wasn’t tense around him anymore…no more so than she’d ever been since age fourteen.  Spending the day with him was fine.  It was the not-knowing what scheme he had up his sleeve that was the problem.  She didn’t like surprises.  They tended to not go well.

Ready to leave, they headed for the garage, where she saw an unfamiliar car.  “New?”

“A rental.”

“Why do you need an SUV?”

“One, the paparazzi don’t know it, and two, I’m not tellin’.”

“Are we going off-roading?”

“Nope.”

“How far away is our destination?”

“You’ll see.”

“Jacob…”

“Patience, love. I promise today will be fun.”  He opened her door and helped her up.  “I could blindfold you if you intend to be difficult.”

“Very funny. No.”

He winked, shut the door, and ran ‘round to his side.  The windows were tinted as dark as legal in CA, making it harder for any paparazzi lurking outside the gate to identify them, and Beth hoped they wouldn’t be followed.  Jacob found his way to the 10 Freeway and pointed the SUV east.

With a comfy leather seat and warm cabin, she drifted off.

Pressure in her ears woke her up.  She yawned.  Why would…altitude?  The SUV was moving up a grade. 

“Good morning again,” he said.

“Where are we?”  Unzipping her purse, she dug for gum.

“Almost there.”

“How long was I out?”  Never could give a straight answer to a question…

“’Bout an hour.”

She popped a stick in her mouth, then glanced out the window.  Snow lined the road.  “The mountains? Jacob, neither of us is wearing snow gear.”

“Don’t worry about it.”

“So you plan to stay in the car all day and drive around?”

“Nope.”

“Why can’t you answer questions like a normal person?”

“When have you ever called me ‘normal’?” he replied with a grin.

She might hit him.  She wanted to hit him.  A nice sock on the bicep, right within reach.  He did this shtick on purpose to annoy her and it worked every time.  “You’re not nearly as amusing as you think you are, bud.”

“Aww, that hurts.”  He turned off the main road.

“Where are we going?”

“Patience, love.”

KISSED is on Wattpad! ‪#‎wattpadsummerlove‬ #romance

KISSED was specially chosen to be showcased on Wattpad starting today! Read for free!


One kiss ignites chemistry and passion they can’t ignore, but is this only a summer fling?

Neighbors. Best friends. It was only a crush Beth harbored for Jacob until she was eighteen. Until London.

Neighbors. Best friends. That was all Jacob thought of her until London. Until she kissed him and stole his heart.

It's funny what Geometry class and a shared backyard wall can bring about. With a two-year age difference, Beth and Jacob were firmly in the Friend Zone during high school, but a pre-college trip to London will change their lives forever.

KISSED is the first of five books in the MY ONCE AND FUTURE LOVE REVISITED series exploring Beth and Jacob’s relationship with all its joys, flaws, and heartache. 

New Adult Contemporary Romance saga. This story is intended for readers over the age of 18 due to adult language, sexual content, and adult situations.

#WIPWednesday 2015 Excerpt #4 #contemporaryromance #amwriting

WIP Wednesday #4

Here's excerpt #1. And excerpt #2. And excerpt #3.

Chapter Four

Jacob awoke at nine.  He brushed his teeth, pulled on a pair of sweatpants, and went downstairs expecting to find Beth dressed and fed already.  But the kitchen was empty and the house quiet.  She wouldn’t have left.  Her car was at home. 

Finding her asleep in his chair with her phone on her lap was a surprise.  He touched her shoulder.

“What?”  She blinked.  Looked around.  Looked up at him.  “What time is it?”

“A smidge after nine. What were you doing in here, besides drooling on my chair?”

“I didn’t drool. I woke up and couldn’t sleep and checked my messages. It was early, so I was trying not to wake anyone. Guess I dozed off.”  She stretched and stood.  Her spine made a satisfying crack.  “Good morning.”

“Hey.”  He leaned in and kissed her.  “I haven’t seen Maria.”

“Maybe she’s running errands. You know she can walk silently when she wants to.”

“Aye. Well, better fuel up and head out.”

“Where are we going?”  She followed him out of his office.

“Still supposed to be a surprise,” he said over his shoulder.

“I don’t like surprises.”

“No, you don’t like leaving plans in other people’s hands.”

“That, too.”  They started upstairs.  “Do you even have a plan, or are you winging it again?”

“Yes, there’s a plan. Trust me.”

“Hmph.”

“Now unless you want to shower with me, go get dressed.”  He swatted her bottom—she yelped—and went into his suite. 

#WIPWednesday 2015 Excerpt #3 #contemporaryromance

WIP Wednesday #3

Here's excerpt #1. And excerpt #2.

This is from chapter 3:

Ending up in his office, she settled into the soft leather chair, pulled out her phone, and pushed the button for a preset number.  The blinds were open, showing the garden in cloud-filtered light.

#WIPWednesday 2015 Excerpt #2 #contemporaryromance

WIP Wednesday #2

Here's excerpt #1 if you missed it last week.

This excerpt is from chapter 2:

Afterward, they picked up the real statue with his name engraved on it.  The band did press and such while Celeste and Beth found the limo.  They’d finally be able to relax at the party. 

KISSED made it into the June/July issue of Rom Con magazine! #romance

KISSED review!

A review of Kissed was selected to appear in the RomCon Reader Magazine’s June/July 2015 Issue as a Nerdy Girl Book Reviews Hot Read! You can take a look at this month’s issue here.

Finalist in the RomCon 2014 Readers' Crown contest! 

Amazon
Amazon UK
Apple
ARe
BarnesAndNoble
Kobo
Smashwords
FictionPress

One kiss ignites chemistry and passion they can’t ignore, but is this only a summer fling?

Neighbors. Best friends. It was only a crush Beth harbored for Jacob until she was eighteen. Until London.

Neighbors. Best friends. That was all Jacob thought of her until London. Until she kissed him and stole his heart.

It's funny what Geometry class and a shared backyard wall can bring about. With a two-year age difference, Beth and Jacob were firmly in the Friend Zone during high school, but a pre-college trip to London will change their lives forever.

KISSED is the first book in the MY ONCE AND FUTURE LOVE REVISITED series exploring Beth and Jacob’s relationship with all its joys, flaws, and heartache. 

New Adult Contemporary Romance saga. This story is intended for readers over the age of 18 due to adult language, sexual content, and adult situations.

Released November 3rd, 2013 in paperback. MSRP $6.99 USD. Buy on Amazon. $6.29 USD. Buy on Amazon UK. 2nd Edition paperback. ISBN 1500655309 MSRP is $12.99.  Buy on Amazon. Buy at Barnes and Noble.

#WIPWednesday 2015 Excerpt #1

WIP Wednesday #1

February 2012

January was more difficult than Beth and Jacob imagined it would be when he came back from tour.  The month-and-a-half leading up to the Grammys had been full of adjustments and hiding from the paparazzi, but they were finally in a good place now.

Memorial Day 2015

Never Forget

A good place to start is here: http://www.pbs.org/memorialdayconcert/  Find out how to volunteer, share a remembrance with others, and more helpful links.

If you see a member of the military today, say thank you. Thank your fathers and mothers and uncles and aunts and grandfathers and grandmothers who served. Tell them we will not forget you.