tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34204762647037045012024-03-29T07:51:42.343-04:00Tina Martin | USA Today Bestselling Author | Love, Life & Loyalty.Tina Martin Publicationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960495178266227020noreply@blogger.comBlogger204125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3420476264703704501.post-62597356135225700542024-03-26T12:48:00.002-04:002024-03-26T12:48:24.623-04:00Teaser Tuesday - When Is It Your Turn?<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Hi readers! For Teaser Tuesday this week, I am sharing an excerpt from my new Champion Brothers Series book, <b>At The Right Time</b>. The book will be released this Friday, March 29, 2024! It is not available for pre-order. It will just be released. I will also reveal the cover on that date as well. I know you will enjoy Florence's story! (Also, please note that this excerpt could be changed/altered/edited before release day!)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBgp0OWV6Dfb3QHoS4yq7FyG-b9CFyLHco8fkC7jtsidY2RmTMEdkXxHZ6VsNA-sy-4XeHXXQvasjOJ93l5JGXMHcz1QrLDhNW5L4xDaUUTIXlemK3htBkutabYcBc3l68MXSjCB8XwgY5TV6e_NMuXG7n1pDhQkvxxmQd6EQ8q2UfrSmBn99fHCdNYgM/s336/chapter%20headings%20daisys.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="127" data-original-width="336" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBgp0OWV6Dfb3QHoS4yq7FyG-b9CFyLHco8fkC7jtsidY2RmTMEdkXxHZ6VsNA-sy-4XeHXXQvasjOJ93l5JGXMHcz1QrLDhNW5L4xDaUUTIXlemK3htBkutabYcBc3l68MXSjCB8XwgY5TV6e_NMuXG7n1pDhQkvxxmQd6EQ8q2UfrSmBn99fHCdNYgM/s320/chapter%20headings%20daisys.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b>At The Right Time - Excerpt</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: justify;">“I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">And kiss her he did!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In fact, he kissed her so much, that it prolonged the applause from their family and friends who watched on with unbridled excitement. It was as if the cheers had encouraged him to kiss her harder, but no, it had nothing to do with that. They could’ve been out here alone and he still would’ve been giving her the business. That’s because it was her and their love had grown exponentially in the months after the crazy way they’d met.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Who would’ve ever thought Amira would’ve met her husband because of a traffic stop? She sure didn’t, but that’s how love happens most times – when you least expect it.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Florence smiled, deeply satisfied. As a single mother of four intelligent, beautiful children, she was beyond happy and fulfilled at sixty-two years of age. Her children were a huge part of that happiness and today, seeing Amira and Dominick tie the knot meant that now, all of her children were happily married and living their best lives.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Amazing.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">She shook her head as she thought about their unconventional journey. They were already married before this ceremony, but Dominick loved Amira so much, he wanted to make it official and lay it out before everyone that she was his woman and that was that. He wanted Amira to have her day to wear a beautiful gown and dance the night away with her family and friends. They needed to share the first dance, the kisses and feeding each other cake. He wanted the world to know Amira was his wife.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">And so on this beautiful fall day in September, they tied the knot at the Riverwalk Landing at the Cape Fear River. It was a special venue for them. He’d walked this strip with her the same moment he knew he was falling in love and now they were back here remembering those moments.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Florence pinched tears from her eyes and felt an overwhelming sense of pride as she saw the happiness in her daughter’s eyes. Then she looked at Jemisha and Mordecai, Savannah and Harding with their son, Harley, and Zoya and Tennyson. It made her feel good as a mother to raise four children practically on her own and watch them grow up, marry and start families of their own.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">They were fortunate to have found love and people, good mates, to share their lives with. Lord knows it hadn’t been that way for her. She’d met and fell in love with their father, Nolan Champion, decades ago. He was handsome, charming, caring and thoughtful – he was everything she wanted in a man. Too bad he came with a whole wife! If only she’d known that before she fell for his charm – she’d ended it then and there, but once she was in love, she was in love. There was no ring. No wedding. No reception. No cake. No happily ever after. How could there be when he was married to another woman? His happily ever after was with his wife, for what little it was worth to have a cheating man, and all Florence had was a man who popped in now and again to see his kids and slide into her bed.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It was sad to think about but those memories ran through her mind as she watched Dominick and Amira dance under a plethora of string lights in the precious hour before dusk. Pushing her own turmoil and unhappiness aside, she could envision their entire lives just by watching them. They’d have a couple of gorgeous kids, a dog – a good healthy overall life. Florence could see Dominick working his highway patrol job while Amira finally settled on a career and fully contributed to the success of the household. And the icing on the cake – they were relocating to Wilmington from Asheville after the sale of his house went through.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Love was indeed a beautiful thing.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“Look at you sitting over here looking like a ray of sunshine,” Mordecai said as she threw his arm around his mother.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“I’m just taking it all in, son. I always wanted this for my children—love and happiness—and you all have found it. All four of you. It’s definitely something to be proud of.”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“It is.” Mordecai gently squeezed his mother’s shoulder.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“I raised y’all right.”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“You were the best mother any of us could ever ask for,” he told her. “My question to you is, when is it your turn?”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Florence’s brows bunched together. “My turn for what, Mordecai?”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“You know—to finally find your happily ever after,” he said while looking over at Dominick and Amira briefly before concentrating his attention on her again.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Florence chuckled. <i>Her kids and their wishful thinking…</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">_________</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">If you haven't indulged in <a href="https://www.tinamartin.net/2018/01/the-champion-brothers.html" target="_blank">The Champion Brothers Series</a>, be sure to check it out.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span>Tina Martin Publicationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960495178266227020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3420476264703704501.post-89092935073641528442023-10-18T21:15:00.005-04:002023-10-19T15:51:36.700-04:00Accidental Lovers - The Conclusion to Carter and Shayla's Story<p>Carter and Shayla's story <b><a href="https://www.tinamartin.net/2023/08/the-accidental-series.html">The Accidental Series</a></b> concludes with the release of Accidental Lovers being released this Friday, October 20, 2023 in paperback and ebook. This title will also be available on Kindle Unlimited.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.tinamartin.net/2023/08/the-accidental-series.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="212" data-original-width="564" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhemZYtJIIOP7mI_vvT387F-BT4MhHFKTCw31np7jcFe9wU78X7Cn42GE8SEduHRp-M94xQm2mc3zjjxmfgFeYYZO4Xgiusp8mn4zFx2BESllWvAf3cs3ERIFcb0jm5MQDX7IH-zmSP4C7q2gNi6XK3EyQMfSH_BGriGgD8OUVo_MdgTinv9W7KtJp5c24/s16000/series.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 13pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"> Mini Excerpt (Accidental Lovers):</span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 13pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"> He
picked up his cell phone again, dialed their home number and talked into the
voicemail, hoping she’d be in the bedroom and would hear his message in real-time:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><i><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 13pt;">Shayla, baby, it’s me
again…just calling to say goodnight. </span></i><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 13pt;">He frowned.<i>
Hopefully, we can talk soon. We need to talk. I love you.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 13pt;">He
hung up the phone, feeling knots of nervousness in the pit of his stomach. What
if Shayla never wanted to see him again? What if this marriage was already over
for her? What if…<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 13pt;">Carter
blew a defeated breath and buried his face in his hands. What to do? He <i>could</i> just roll up to the house and
force a conversation with her, but realizing that would probably cause more
harm than good, he stayed away. In anguish, in love and all, he stayed away.<o:p></o:p></span></p><br />- - - -<div><br /></div><div><b>Order <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJ85XN33" target="_blank">Accidental Lovers</a> here at <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJ85XN33" target="_blank">Amazon</a>. <br /></b><br />While this is the end to their story, there is a spinoff story for Donovan. He deserves a story too, right? His story will be published soon. The title is Accidental Vows. Please leave a review for this series.<div><br /></div><div>I love book email, so send me an email and tell me what you liked (or didn't like) about the characters. Overall, I hope you've found this series entertaining. Now, I'm on to the next. I'm working on a ton of new projects and can't wait to share them with you.</div><div><br /></div><div>Happy Reading!</div><div><br /></div><div>Tina</div></div>Tina Martin Publicationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960495178266227020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3420476264703704501.post-47023189820159293762023-08-29T15:24:00.003-04:002023-10-19T15:49:21.102-04:00Teaser Tuesday - Nobody Cares<p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CBQSZ84M" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPNtc8LygYPg34VOO0xIuxZECBzKygQrTYB5xG4vI_0YuW2cjWjRYqGd6WZGmL7GjwsQU1qb4ILAOqmC3wxvoPQ2I5zkolIjN4r422vvR24BTpcMrrWsSnSqqRe_2Qrb_HPqxAqlDN0NHzr-8owi2b4uhR2J_BveCL3rcgbW1FPVGCVdbT1rFZCMn8Fqo/s320/accidental%20deception%20flyer.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Order <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CBQSZ84M" target="_blank">Accidental Deception</a> on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CBQSZ84M" target="_blank">Amazon</a>.</span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">To fall in love with your brother's ex-fiance or let her go? That's the question Carter Williams has to ask himself regarding Shayla Kline.</span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: justify;">It's almost time for some secrets, lies and deception. <b>Accidental Deception</b> will be here on Friday, September 1, 2023! This was the first series I wrote that really got me into writing romantic suspense. Yes, it is a continuation trilogy - the first book flows into the second, etc. The first three books are followed by a spinoff story and it will keep you guessing about what will happen next. This is a re-release, so some of you have already read it. If you have, leave a review. If you've read it before, read it again. You never know if I'll write an update story on Carter and Shayla. This title is available on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited only. It's also available in paperback. As for tropes, we have plenty of them: rich vs poor, brother's ex, secret identity, forbidden love and damsel in distress. I'm sure there are some I left out! Read an excerpt below.</div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0000ee; font-family: georgia; font-size: large; text-decoration-line: underline;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoaEn_-6g09YqnTGauAZ4rt7qmauhBnS7CX7s54KuL6ALzvyC8oUq3IJXWFlP6k4Ufgs-zQ-MXR3ntWoPaoVK_yWgIon-LNULTw-WgfrLtFCmFxYj4t2PaYNmaP8QwjeGPNFAYSvIigj-t6LjwJ9IsrISCiWeKeTSOYmDN5Ps3h0QDyWqeWRs25xnPeXs/s454/accidental%20chapter%20divider.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoaEn_-6g09YqnTGauAZ4rt7qmauhBnS7CX7s54KuL6ALzvyC8oUq3IJXWFlP6k4Ufgs-zQ-MXR3ntWoPaoVK_yWgIon-LNULTw-WgfrLtFCmFxYj4t2PaYNmaP8QwjeGPNFAYSvIigj-t6LjwJ9IsrISCiWeKeTSOYmDN5Ps3h0QDyWqeWRs25xnPeXs/s454/accidental%20chapter%20divider.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="135" data-original-width="454" height="95" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoaEn_-6g09YqnTGauAZ4rt7qmauhBnS7CX7s54KuL6ALzvyC8oUq3IJXWFlP6k4Ufgs-zQ-MXR3ntWoPaoVK_yWgIon-LNULTw-WgfrLtFCmFxYj4t2PaYNmaP8QwjeGPNFAYSvIigj-t6LjwJ9IsrISCiWeKeTSOYmDN5Ps3h0QDyWqeWRs25xnPeXs/s320/accidental%20chapter%20divider.png" width="320" /></span></a></div></div><div><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Excerpt:</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Carter sat on the bed
next to her, staring into her eyes, feeling a strong urge to stroke her hair,
but if she couldn’t tolerate his gentle touch to her forearm, she certainly
wouldn’t be comfortable with hair strokes. So feeling disconnected, Carter used
words to relay his genuineness. “So I can take care of you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“I don’t need you…to…to
take care…of me,” she said between coughs. “I’m in a hospital. There are plenty
of doctors and nurses here to take care of me. What are you doing here…anyway?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Carter frowned. “What do
you mean? I’m here because I care.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“You care?” She huffed.
“Nobody cares. People pretend to…to care about people like me only
because…because they feel like they’re doing the universe a favor. I mean,
don’t put yourself out.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“Believe me, if I didn’t
want to be here, I wouldn’t be. I’m here because I <i>do</i> care…thought you were going to die in my arms this morning.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“Well, unfortunately, I’m
not dead, so…”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“What’d you say?” Carter
glared at her. He couldn’t have heard her correctly. How could this delicate,
little woman be so unappreciative of her life?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“Just go,” she told him.
“Run off and save somebody who <i>wants</i> to be saved. I’ll be…fine here, and
even if I’m not, that’s…that’s okay too.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“Wow,” Carter said beside
himself. “Why are you so ungrateful? I could’ve left you lying on the
sidewalk…”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“Then why didn’t you?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“Because I cared enough
to stop and help you,” he said, raising his voice. “I had a very important
meeting to attend today, but instead, I’m stuck here with you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“You’re not <i>stuck</i>.
I don’t see any chains on you. Go…I don’t need you here. Go to your—” She
coughed, then continued, “—meeting.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“You know what,” Carter
said, lowering his tone, trying not to let his feelings get in the way of what
he wanted to accomplish with her. “I’m just gonna step out of the room. Why
don’t you rest and sleep off your anger?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“Why don’t you go home?”
she said so softly, Carter couldn’t completely make out what she’d said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She closed her eyes after
she watched Carter leave the room. Finally, peace and quiet. That, coupled with
a soft bed and warm blankets were enough to put her to sleep, but she laid
there instead, remembering the last moments with her fiancé’, Jacob, eight
months ago:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 0.2in;"><i><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“Hey babe,” she told him as he stepped into the kitchen,
briefcase in hand. She hadn’t been home too long, but was there long enough to
get started on dinner. She had just slid a meatloaf in the oven. The blended
aromas of onions, green peppers ground beef and spices filled the kitchen. “How
was job hunting? Find anything?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 0.2in;"><i><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Jacob was perplexed about something. That much she could tell
from the worried expression on his face. She studied him closer, looking him up
and down, noticing his smoke-gray suit, the crisp shirt and loosened necktie.
He might not have had a job, but he was still dressed to the nines while he
looked for one. <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 0.2in;"><i><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Jacob walked up to her and tasted her lips while holding her
head firmly between his strong hands. “You know I love you, more than anything
in this world. You know that don’t you, Shayla?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 0.2in;"><i><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Her face glowed as she stared into his eyes. “Yes,” she
replied. “I know. That’s why I’m marrying you.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 0.2in;"><i><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He kissed her lips again, but this time it was more potent.
More needful. She couldn’t recall an instance when he kissed her so vigorously.
Her hands found the back of his head. He mumbled how much he loved her while
they smooched. Said he would always love her, even if something bad were to
happen to him…<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">* * *</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Order <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CBQSZ84M" target="_blank">Accidental Deception</a> on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CBQSZ84M" target="_blank">Amazon</a> today.</span></p></div>Tina Martin Publicationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960495178266227020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3420476264703704501.post-52376748584007762342023-06-03T22:56:00.003-04:002024-02-25T11:12:20.512-05:00Sample Sunday - Just Make it Through the Night<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8gcr0L7g6522K4ih5y_jMtRBgCerQVJjcxEoqxLBuul66vIY0YAS2jA1lcfY4mB4uon3xQTAtV3logrMkhHwPg7GH4TXs8y2_TRSGY5BBSjbkEj9AhbVlm0r6oVi_9BvcA1BYucds4At-1aJo39aavyG8VKwsfBEKGjpjGjEBi8ZRs99k-4LtsdBx_8I/s1080/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-04-23T105129.896.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8gcr0L7g6522K4ih5y_jMtRBgCerQVJjcxEoqxLBuul66vIY0YAS2jA1lcfY4mB4uon3xQTAtV3logrMkhHwPg7GH4TXs8y2_TRSGY5BBSjbkEj9AhbVlm0r6oVi_9BvcA1BYucds4At-1aJo39aavyG8VKwsfBEKGjpjGjEBi8ZRs99k-4LtsdBx_8I/s320/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-04-23T105129.896.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p> <span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Pushing back from the table, I stand and say, “Excuse me. I’ll be right back.”</span></span></p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: justify;">I straighten the black gown I have on and glide across the ballroom floor toward the exit into the lobby, all the while pretending my feet don’t hurt. There, I find the nearest bathroom, push the door open and lean on the counter, taking multiple deep breaths. What have I gotten myself into? I never dreamed my marriage would be like this. Everything about our marriage is the opposite of what I envisioned it would be. It used to be more like a marriage in the beginning. Caspian had time for me, but soon after, Caspian’s father had him believing he had to be this looked-up-to public figure. It’s a sad day when my husband’s father has more pull with him than I do. Why is it so hard for him to see that? Or does he see it and not care?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I take another calming breath, check my makeup and say, “Okay, Nia—just get through the night. You can do this. You’ve done it many times before. What’s one more time? You got this.”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I take another breath.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Okay, so the situation is not ideal, but at least I’m out with Caspian. In some odd way, that should be considered a halfway win. But in my mind, I know what he told me. This was supposed to be us on a date – not us with a bunch of uppity banquet people. Call me selfish, but I want all of his time when it’s my time to have it. I don’t want to share my husband with everything and everyone else, and that includes the Mr. Black Organization.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I step out of the bathroom in full pretense mode until I see Caspian standing in the lobby. He looks up from his cell, sees me, and comes sauntering over, all suave and sexy. My oh my, he’s a sight for sore eyes. Some days, I have a hard time believing this intelligent man who graduated top of his class, is mine. He’s a man who influences so many decisions in the black community. A man who is a champion for inclusion and equality. A man of morals and values. Of integrity. I hate being upset with him after all the good he’s done, but does it make me a bad person for wanting to have some alone time with my husband? I don’t think so.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Mr. Tall, Dark & Unavailable</b> is coming June 17, 2023. Pre-Order <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C39KP9FW" target="_blank">here</a>. Also, check out all books in the <a href="http://amzn.to/41B1AMr" target="_blank">Baes of Juneteenth Series</a>.</div></span>Tina Martin Publicationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960495178266227020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3420476264703704501.post-51372875982365240672023-05-15T23:18:00.001-04:002023-05-15T23:18:28.810-04:00Teaser Tuesday - It's a New Champion Book...Say What?!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.tinamartin.net/2023/05/the-convenient-husband-champion.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij67nO8h6uio2sYjBK8OVCPcu0pvTUBX5pmF0oXUHU2MQkK896p_3cf2izHKhv3JlvL2ZSFjvt1WPwlTX-SS_gxJQJaHHpFnUbOUHpWR3T3oOBVxCaxqI2g7ALEsxNyzJyYU4jxmtH9isuYtkm6ZEpqppC2Iu5u8KuMhAdq3m_njV0VrINROIykM6S/s320/web%20flyer.png" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">What's up reader friends! How y'all doing? I know you guys have been waiting on Amira Champion's story, and I'm happy announce that it's finally on pre-order. The title is <a href="https://www.tinamartin.net/2023/05/the-convenient-husband-champion.html">The Convenient Husband</a>. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>So, what took so long?</b> First, let me apologize for the delay. There's been a lot going on in the last few years and, well, here's the real deal - some people have been living in my mind. They're the St. Claires. Perhaps you know them. (LOL) I write stories how they come to me. First come, first served, so if the story isn't with me yet, I won't write it because I just can't force myself to write to fulfill a deadline. It has to come naturally. I had moved on from The Champion series - not completely, just moved on because other books were coming to me a lot faster than this series. But you'll finally get Amira Champion's story. Who's excited?</div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">While this title is currently available for pre-order, the release date is July 7, 2023! Why this date? Well, for one, I have a book releasing in June: <a href="https://www.tinamartin.net/2023/04/mr-tall-dark-unavailable-baes-of.html">Mr. Tall, Dark & Unavailable</a>, that's currently available for pre-order. Also, I have a child graduating high school, so I'm busy with that. I'm taking my first international flight in June so I'm busy with that. My daughter has end-of-grade tests and...sigh...I'm busy, y'all! So, books <i>are </i>being written, just at a slower pace than what I usually write. Just hang in there with me. I try not to release books quickly even though they may be completely finished. I need to make sure I'm putting out the best content possible.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Questions:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b>1. When will The Convenient Husband be released?</b> July 7, 2023</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b>2. Is this the last book in The Champion Brothers Series? </b>No</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b>3. Do I need to read the preceding seven books before reading The Convenient Husband?</b> No. All Champion titles are standalone books. you can read them in any order you want.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b>4. What is the first book in the series? </b>The first book is <a href="https://www.tinamartin.net/2013/08/his-paradise-wife-book-description.html">His Paradise Wife</a>. BTW, the last Champion book to be released was <a href="https://www.tinamartin.net/2019/09/a-champions-proposal-champion-brothers.html">A Champion's Proposal</a> in 2019.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b>5. Will this title be available on Kindle Unlimited?</b> Yes, but that also means it will NOT be available at any other ebook retailers.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b>6. Where can I find a list of The Champion Brothers Series listed in release order?</b> Visit <a href="https://www.tinamartin.net/2018/01/the-champion-brothers.html">The Champion Brothers Series Page</a>. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">If you have any other questions, feel free to send me an email or contact me through social media.</span></div>Tina Martin Publicationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960495178266227020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3420476264703704501.post-27865984606159109842023-04-28T12:13:00.002-04:002023-04-28T12:13:25.250-04:002023 Charlotte BOB Award Winner!<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c2b33; white-space: pre-wrap;">The May 2023 issue of Charlotte Magazine is in stores. It's the issue where they announce the winners for their annual BOB Awards - The Best of the Best Awards for creatives and businesses in Charlotte. I am happy to announce that I won the BOB Award for Best Charlotte Author!</span></span></p><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="6m414" data-offset-key="dgks5-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1c2b33; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-auto-logging-id="f29336ac9a74984" data-offset-key="dgks5-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgANUAbDC0fB7dEEGzHVh_5-V0opuQgAvsjSchrpD6jtjSV1YzUnWTo38TZHkrbyeiHgXK0VUCxHraSXsupE0Ep6L1pIiPMrvSfV1VvjDfdavjd0VOr5zFT2Zd5dWA-2g1jhJfTqxcAcvhFN0YomgAjmMDSrHqR77MqCErC-XQc01qeNGPPwTwhrHOh/s1080/bob2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgANUAbDC0fB7dEEGzHVh_5-V0opuQgAvsjSchrpD6jtjSV1YzUnWTo38TZHkrbyeiHgXK0VUCxHraSXsupE0Ep6L1pIiPMrvSfV1VvjDfdavjd0VOr5zFT2Zd5dWA-2g1jhJfTqxcAcvhFN0YomgAjmMDSrHqR77MqCErC-XQc01qeNGPPwTwhrHOh/s320/bob2.png" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: justify;">I'm excited to have received this honor in my city. Y'all know I work hard and I rep Charlotte to the fullest in my stories (this is the home of The St. Claires, my most popular series) so I love, love, love this. Thank you to all my day-ones who voted for me, the people of Charlotte who voted for me, and who are loving these stories. Sometimes, it gets lonely and boring sitting behind this desk writing all day. Okay, I couldn't even say that with a straight face. LOL! It's not boring. I'm an introvert - I live for this! I love being in my office with candles burning as I plan my next adventure via storytelling...ahh...the life!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBE__5qr88eiDIIlkY0LKWArKTTNY2Se1Ll6Ir11ZPAL3uT5JqVRfvdkBGKln7Uln1-oyA8POG2ADgaNWIeLDeuhOpSJRBT1L1tUBjPxY_ykkxCxFMmSePjQdutrh3lQFbOD2bcctDflYSjOLH8zaz9nWKPS6vVD1t7c3TrrdnGfeQ_cHA4NN9L6Mx/s1080/bob4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBE__5qr88eiDIIlkY0LKWArKTTNY2Se1Ll6Ir11ZPAL3uT5JqVRfvdkBGKln7Uln1-oyA8POG2ADgaNWIeLDeuhOpSJRBT1L1tUBjPxY_ykkxCxFMmSePjQdutrh3lQFbOD2bcctDflYSjOLH8zaz9nWKPS6vVD1t7c3TrrdnGfeQ_cHA4NN9L6Mx/s320/bob4.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Okay, back on topic...THANK Y'ALL SO MUCH! You make this writing journey so worthwhile and while I don't claim to be the best, I can honestly say I always put my best effort into my work.</div></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="6m414" data-offset-key="d9aha-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1c2b33; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="d9aha-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative; text-align: justify;"><span data-offset-key="d9aha-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br data-text="true" /></span></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="6m414" data-offset-key="1vcm0-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1c2b33; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-auto-logging-id="f17cc7a54f0d18c" data-offset-key="1vcm0-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative; text-align: justify;"><span data-offset-key="1vcm0-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">With that being said, I have a book on pre-order. It's based in Charlotte. The title: Tall, Dark & Unavailable. Go get it. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C39KP9FW">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C39KP9FW</a></span></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="6m414" data-offset-key="pcpe-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1c2b33; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="pcpe-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative; text-align: justify;"><span data-offset-key="pcpe-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br data-text="true" /></span></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="6m414" data-offset-key="1s5tb-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1c2b33; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-auto-logging-id="f4e5cda5695ab8" data-offset-key="1s5tb-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative; text-align: justify;"><span data-offset-key="1s5tb-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Meet me in the lobby for champagne and autographs. *wink*</span></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="6m414" data-offset-key="4c8ob-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1c2b33; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-auto-logging-id="f2fb8113141a2d4" data-offset-key="4c8ob-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative; text-align: justify;"><span data-offset-key="4c8ob-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br data-text="true" /></span></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="6m414" data-offset-key="ejt3h-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1c2b33; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-auto-logging-id="fb3044e1d54fb4" data-offset-key="ejt3h-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative; text-align: justify;"><span data-offset-key="ejt3h-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Sincerely,</span></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="6m414" data-offset-key="85ppt-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1c2b33; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-auto-logging-id="f918224b4a50ec" data-offset-key="85ppt-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative; text-align: justify;"><span data-offset-key="85ppt-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br data-text="true" /></span></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="6m414" data-offset-key="12ff1-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1c2b33; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-auto-logging-id="f2048e15c0d5adc" data-offset-key="12ff1-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative; text-align: justify;"><span data-offset-key="12ff1-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Your Charlotte Author</span></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="6m414" data-offset-key="22ek3-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1c2b33; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="22ek3-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative; text-align: justify;"><span data-offset-key="22ek3-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Tina Martin</span></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="22ek3-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative; text-align: justify;"><span data-offset-key="22ek3-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="22ek3-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative; text-align: justify;"><span data-offset-key="22ek3-0-0"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKi7KqpUNCUgddKhXcz1RAy9XeT5CG8sFSTl4t32NAsSEkO2aHcgIUOfenLkRZ1yLKppQXtRROuAMcnD4pmLKSiA_Fec_voZP--Ay1I7OXdB_2S3_vUxv0RWLHqEW37DZPk8S_D9EYUry4qniQzmxN2EaqGhyd7AC3oZwucKRldrorzT48aYQUiZ-_/s1080/bob3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKi7KqpUNCUgddKhXcz1RAy9XeT5CG8sFSTl4t32NAsSEkO2aHcgIUOfenLkRZ1yLKppQXtRROuAMcnD4pmLKSiA_Fec_voZP--Ay1I7OXdB_2S3_vUxv0RWLHqEW37DZPk8S_D9EYUry4qniQzmxN2EaqGhyd7AC3oZwucKRldrorzT48aYQUiZ-_/s320/bob3.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div></div>Tina Martin Publicationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960495178266227020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3420476264703704501.post-41385916654020232322023-03-17T09:28:00.002-04:002023-03-17T09:28:31.323-04:00It's St. Claire Day - Zavier is in the Building!<p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BNSMZHTC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="820" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1SDjAzkEC6rzf4o6rJnnAbHXelt3OhM1q_Co86rqx7vW8Y8QNbvXNk8vHsvufV3Aegu6pgIdJmNDPlaveH0p3HfqoKm_eRq8uvBQKFpAux_iO_lEVmWZln6QykF7hejjpUFhukHSPDV91EGpesEDS4beNtIpeewgi4isTD8RD6_EEA7Va3kr2kgob/w640-h334/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-03-17T070248.614.png" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">It's release day! Zavier St. Claire is here. It took four months for me to complete this book. Why? Because it's just that detailed and complex. Zavier has a lot to say and so does Nykendy and her sweet little son, Kaden. I think this is one of those stories you'll want to read again and again as a lot of you said you do already with the rest of the St. Claire novels. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/75269060-zavier" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="41" data-original-width="130" height="41" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4yRextt624HfQJ-jsS7QW0Av3ouiQBCbDZhzLFfaY4WwChXU7uL2uNVveXuxpDBn7aLDQd73skinkdq6hj_8x8KlB2n9G6_BE_hBiSdlL0MBoLfvxeVquCOdp85P5uIsYV9LN2yTKomZKNoNELvnHgiFeqHmCPwEtAikqEzbdufiQoCiXuC3qJ3BP/s1600/goodreads-badge-add-plus-71eae69ca0307d077df66a58ec068898.png" width="130" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">But, be warned. Zavier is special. He's so pure and innocent. He loves his life, he loves his routines (which you find out in chapter one) and he loves his family. How can a man like that be single? Easy. He's focused on his life and his work. He's a pediatrician. (Oh, did I mention he loves children?) He doesn't have time for much else, but when he meets Nykendy - well let's just say the heart knows what it wants.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Zavier is only available on Amazon/Kindle Unlimited. You can purchase a copy <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BNSMZHTC">here</a>. I will have autographed paperbacks at my online store, soon, but you can order a regular paperback directly from Amazon <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BYQYT4GN">here</a>.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Here is the soundtrack for Zavier in case you missed it.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3cHQUwOBm5bfVtWaPtjMLm?si=abf0d61200b04f0e" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAukLSsATB3AUSbkPPurrjS2VDk1K0DpoZgzjx1d5LocA34XDwoJsj9em4SHgWnNXG0PEZdanK1dM-TlSM2jb-guQgPktK3e3NkN7FWsmPTkyaNHRqdQ5kEH75eKxShFGsTrEnvJ1D5ubzoFz1bE1jvqTI2S0atwjOyOGhuDSBJ4hIqs_qxUTqxyKl/s320/S%20A%20L%20E%20(1).png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Order your copy today and don't forget to leave a review/rating on Amazon! Visit the <a href="https://www.tinamartin.net/2022/12/zavier-st-claire-novel-book-description.html">Book Description</a> page for a synopsis of Zavier.</span></div>Tina Martin Publicationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960495178266227020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3420476264703704501.post-18994800968076156432022-11-15T08:38:00.004-05:002023-01-18T07:10:59.937-05:00Teaser Tuesday - Is Everything Okay?<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTpDLcpjbmYdnsxzbZ1fMGjZ8sxuMH0h3T2bZxtqJq5EErsj_UpudHw87r8ckohTxmnaW9shp6nxm1pX30h82blloyWHzdETKlrI039C4c8J8TUU5qYZ7ruhEwIwq8Wpfau41iqoOvKNIYABYJnWk82kfABmjgx2iqSWDmPzqS9DyJIo7WhIa2n_P_/s564/Copy%20of%20A%20New%20St.%20Claire%20Spinoff%20Series!.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="212" data-original-width="564" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTpDLcpjbmYdnsxzbZ1fMGjZ8sxuMH0h3T2bZxtqJq5EErsj_UpudHw87r8ckohTxmnaW9shp6nxm1pX30h82blloyWHzdETKlrI039C4c8J8TUU5qYZ7ruhEwIwq8Wpfau41iqoOvKNIYABYJnWk82kfABmjgx2iqSWDmPzqS9DyJIo7WhIa2n_P_/w640-h240/Copy%20of%20A%20New%20St.%20Claire%20Spinoff%20Series!.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 150%;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Chapter One.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Family.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">It’s what the St. Claires were. What they stood
for. What they believed in. Mason and Bernadette were the parents who raised
four handsome, intelligent sons and instilled in them the value and preciousness
of family. No doubt this is why they all made good husbands and fathers.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Gemma pondered this while they all sat around the
dinner table at Ramsey and Gianna’s home – a change of pace from having Sunday dinner
at Mason and Bernadette’s. Soft jazz music played through the home’s sound
system. The white pillar candles that sat in the center of the table served as
a mood setter, enhancing the ambiance in the dining room. She discreetly looked
around the table at everyone who were having a good time talking and enjoying
their meals. Ramsey was holding his daughter Rianne while at the same time whispering
something in Gianna’s ear, prompting Gianna to blush. Siderra softly bounced
Egan. The little boy looked just like his father, Romulus. Felicity and Regal
had their daughter, Rayne, sitting between them and Royal was holding their son,
who was also named Ace.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">All the brothers had children except Royal. Royal
had made the comment that he didn’t mind being the uncle who’d babysit whenever
the family needed him to and Gemma felt the same way. She’d be Aunt Gemma
especially since she couldn’t have children of her own and since Royal never
wanted kids, their relationship was ideal. But Gemma couldn’t get over how he interacted
with his nieces and nephews. He was so good with them that it fueled her doubts
that maybe he wasn’t so cool with the idea of not having any children of his own.
He would be the ideal father – so patient, kind and loving – the same way he
was with her. Why wouldn’t he want children?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ace stirred in his lap. Royal said, “Uh oh. I’ve
seen this before. Felicity, where’s his bottle?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Felicity dug around in the diaper bag on the floor
next to her chair until she found it then handed it to Royal.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Royal took the bottle and said, “Alright, lil’
man. Here’s your food.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ace latched on to the bottle like he was
starving.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Royal chuckled. “Whoa. This boy has an appetite
like his daddy.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Yes, he does,” Felicity agreed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Gemma aimlessly stirred green beans around on her
plate looking to her right to see Royal talking to his nephew. He was good with
children – so good that she often wondered why he never wanted any of his own. Or,
perhaps he wanted them but since she couldn’t have them, what was the point of
changing his mind?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Blinking away from him, Gemma forced herself to
eat. She wasn’t in the mood for a family dinner, especially after watching this
and feeling left out. It was all her – she knew that but it still didn’t negate
her feelings. The truth of the matter was, she felt left out at their family
dinners. She took a sip of lemonade and glanced around the table again, seeing
everyone happy and being social like families were supposed to be. In doing so,
she caught the eye of someone who wasn’t talking but rather staring right back
at her – her mother-in-law, Bernadette. That’s when she knew she had to excuse
herself to take a breather.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">She pushed her chair back. The slightest movement
and Royal was looking at her.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Where do you think you’re going?” Royal asked, placing
a hand on her thigh before she got up.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Just to the bathroom. I’ll be right back.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Is everything okay?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Yes,” she said mustering a fake smile while avoiding
eye contact because she already knew he’d see the truth hidden in them. “I’m
fine. I’ll be right back.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Gemma stood up.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Royal said, “Come here for a minute.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">“What?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Come here.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">She leaned down close to him to which he
whispered, “You know I want those lips. Stop playing with me,” and then took a small
kiss. “Hurry back.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">“I will.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">But she was in no hurry. Gemma took her time walking
to the bathroom and when she reached it, she closed the door and just stood
there, trying to process her thoughts. Maybe she was overthinking this thing as
usual. She’d been known to overthink things – like when she realized Royal was in
love with her. She thought about all the reasons why he’d be better off with
someone else. She even tried to understand his thought process by determining
why a man as gorgeous and successful as him would want to be with a woman who had
some serious health issues like she had the right to question that.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><br /><div style="text-align: center;">********************</div><div><br /></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><i>Gemma </i>is now available for pre-order at Amazon! Here are the links:</span><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div><a href=" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BKR5DN6F"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Amazon US</span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">International: </span></div><div><a href="https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0BKR5DN6F"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Amazon CA</span></a></div><div><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BKR5DN6F"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Amazon UK</span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0BKR5DN6F">Amazon AU</a><br /><br />Paperbacks will not be available for sale on Amazon. You can only order from my website. To order a paperback, visit my online bookstore <a href="https://www.tinamartinbookshop.com/">here</a>.<br /><br /><b>IMPORTANT:<br /></b><br />*Gemma is best enjoyed AFTER you’ve read <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076KRGGT1">Royal (A St. Claire Novel)</a>. Royal is currently available for $0.99 and is on Kindle Unlimited! You can also order a paperback from my online store. They are on sale for a limited time for $5.00 plus shipping. Visit <a href="https://www.tinamartinbookshop.com/">Tina Martin Book Shop</a>.<br /><br />*For the BEST reading experience, read the series where Gemma first appeared to gain some background on her: The Boardwalk Bakery Romance Series that consists of three Books, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y5F6Z8P">Baked With Love</a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071HNMGX7/">Baked With Love 2</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073HC8RNL">Baked With Love 3</a>.</span></div></div>Tina Martin Publicationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960495178266227020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3420476264703704501.post-12319864619771362222022-06-24T17:34:00.002-04:002022-06-27T08:47:20.121-04:00Rude Boss is here, and you've been warned...<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b>Happy release day to me!</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">I had so much fun writing this book. I think I say that about all my books, but that's how enjoyable writing is to me. This particular story is of interest because of something significant happening in the world - <b>the great resignation</b> they call it. There's a certain freedom in walking away from something that no longer serves your soul, and I think these jobs are sucking the life out of people. They aren't finding real satisfaction with being told what to do every second of the day, being stuck in traffic and being yelled at by a boss who expects you to bow down to him/her.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">You get the picture.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.tinamartin.net/2022/05/rude-boss-depaul-company-book-1-book.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="828" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhda-Pi8_dAbffo6VfXcr_ZJ1hFmUNjP0yZ0ww4KvXL3XJiHRqJihInrCRuJ6kuGENqHtUj7UlOF5Vb199W5nwDcJZpkoOum1tqeuR-UEO87rVUwyCZBkK1_8RBt3urEZjy_ETKHPHp0LEZZlJZwqjtmQiUWOwoijoljmG53_I0NRz2jk9enjFTq95C/w640-h244/2022-0745%20Tina%20Martin,%20Rude%20Boss%20facebook%20cover.png" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Anyway, my Rude Boss's name is Essex DePaul. He's a man who has changed and evolved into this powerhouse of a man and adopted the entitled attitude to go along with it. YOU CAN'T TELL HIM NOTHING. He's mean. He's authoritative. He's unpleasant to be around. Did I mention he's mean? But this man - when I tell y'all there's a sweet soul beneath all that exterior nonsense, you wouldn't believe me. I know. You have to read the book to find out why he's the way he is and how Quintessa Bailey is the right woman to bring out the better side of him. In typical Tina Martin fashion, there are secrets, but the story is written in first person from both main character's perspectives, so you (the reader) learn these secrets early on. See how much I love y'all. I didn't keep you in the dark this time. LOL!</div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">This is a two-book series. Rude Boss is book 1. There will be a Rude Boss 2 being released in July. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">To find out where to purchase, visit the <a href="https://www.tinamartin.net/2022/05/rude-boss-depaul-company-book-1-book.html">Rude Boss</a> main book page <a href="https://www.tinamartin.net/2022/05/rude-boss-depaul-company-book-1-book.html">here</a>.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Enjoy readers!</span></p>Tina Martin Publicationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960495178266227020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3420476264703704501.post-39280833312833145192022-06-14T09:00:00.011-04:002022-06-14T09:00:00.203-04:00#Teaser Tuesday - Be Quiet<p> <a href="https://www.tinamartin.net/2022/05/rude-boss-depaul-company-book-1-book.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="970" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguHukF7jDsvfHobggqZHSDBn3KKbi05FzSDfp5TgCtK9SfkzIMpP4c0kpO4hlDK1KXIrnxitrpYHQPTC9ifCaU6mQNP7YoGn6U5Nv5fyUR1utoSngv6nShv8VmPJ8UaXXbdUvON7fJxpmmbj_tXJoEqzjdZ0w0gROXuUT885v9t0OHscg9R85wetop/w640-h198/Amazon%20A%20content.png" width="640" /></a></p><p><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Excerpt from <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B1TBBB1Q">Rude Boss</a> </span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">(Content may be slightly changed before official publication)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The full-figured black woman, who’s wearing a
black skirt suit and high heels, swings the hair of her long, blonde wig, says,
“You were supposed to be upstairs a half-hour ago.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“What? That’s not what I was told. The receptionist
told me to wait here. I got here early, and I’ve just been sitting here,
wasting away, waiting to be called for an interview.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“Yeah, well, let’s hope that’s a good enough explanation
for Mr. DePaul. He doesn’t tolerate tardiness from anyone, so don’t get
offended if he dismisses the interview altogether. That’s just the way it is.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">I almost choke. None of this is my fault. And why
is she implying that Mr. DePaul, himself, is the person doing the interviewing?
Or maybe I didn’t hear her correctly.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">I say, “Just for clarification, did you say, Mr. DePaul,
as in <i>the</i> Mr. DePaul?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“Yep.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“I’m not interviewing with the CEO, am I?” I ask,
stepping on the elevator with her. She presses the button for the twelfth floor.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“You are.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“I can’t be!” I say, in full panic mode. “What in
the…is this standard practice around here?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“No, it’s not, but Mr. DePaul specifically requested
to interview you. Surprised me, too. He hasn’t interviewed anyone in years.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“But, but—look at my blouse. What kind of first
impression is this going to make?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The woman grins. “Oh, please. If I were you, I’d
be more concerned that I was late than with what’s on my blouse.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">We exit the elevator. I say, “But I wasn’t late.
I told you that.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">I find it a struggle to keep up with her in these
five-inch heels. I haven’t worn heels in years. My toes are squished together,
my blouse is messed up and now, I’m supposedly <i>late</i> at no fault of my
own. Could this morning get any worse?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“By the way, I’m Shanice Davison, Mr. DePaul’s executive
assistant.” She taps on a glass door. It’s a conference room. I can see Mr. DePaul
sitting at the end of a long conference room table. She throws up a hand, and he
waves her – <i>us</i> – inside. Shanice instructs me to sit at the opposite end
of the table. There must be at least twenty chairs – ten on each side – putting
distance between us, which is fine by me. From this far away, there’s a good
chance he won’t see my stained shirt.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Shanice says, “Mr. DePaul, this is Ms. Quintessa Bailey.
She’s interviewing for the…um…accounting associate position.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Shanice sounds nervous, and she <i>knows</i> the
man. If she’s this nervous, what am I to expect?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Mr. DePaul rolls up the sleeves of his white
shirt, looking at a watch that probably costs more than my whole life. And my
mama’s life. And my mama’s, <i>mama’s</i> life.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“Thank you, Ms. Davison,” he says in an abyss-deep
tone that has me trembling slightly, as if caught off guard by a rumble of
thunder on a day with no forecasted storms.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><span style="line-height: 150%;">He has manners. That’s a shocker</span></i><span style="line-height: 150%;">. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Before now, I’d never met Mr. DePaul, but I’ve heard
things. Women like him because he’s smart, wealthy and handsome. Dresses well, like
he has a personal tailor. He probably does. He’s your typical I-made-it-to-the-top-now-bow-down-to-me
CEO who wants everything done his way. He’s aggressive. Dismissive. A
formidable, autocratic leader. His wealth makes him clueless about the plight of
common people like myself.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“You’re welcome, sir,” Shanice says. She flashes a
wry smile before she leaves the room. When the door closes, I’m more unnerved
than I was when I first learned it would be Mr. DePaul doing the interviewing.
It’s just me and him. Shanice has left me alone with the wolf – the pack leader
– the black man in charge of this impressive accounting firm.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">In his presence, I feel like I felt the first day
my parents dropped me off for kindergarten – abandoned and clueless. I didn’t
know how it was going to go. I just knew I was some place strange. That’s where
I am now – a place that’s foreign to me – a place my gut tells me I don’t want
to be.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">But a sista needs a job. What choice do I have?
And, everything I’ve learned about him is hearsay. The rumors may not be true.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Mr. DePaul doesn’t say a word. He glances up at
me and carries his dark eyes back to his laptop screen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><i><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">O-kay…this is awkward…<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">What am I to do? Just sit here? Mr. DePaul ain’t
paying me no attention. It’s like I’m not even here. Was there some kind of mix-up
and he thinks I’m here for something else other than a job interview? That can’t
be the case. Shanice just told him I was here for the accounting associate position,
so this has to be legit. I just wonder why he’s avoiding me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“Hello,” I say to break through the barrier of coldness
in the room that has us icebergs apart – his fault.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">His brows furrow at my greeting, but he’s still
more attentive to what he’s doing on the computer, like he didn’t hear me at
all. It has me questioning whether I said anything. Did I say hello aloud? I
thought I did.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">I’m completely losing it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">That’s the power this man wields. I knew that already
– I just never expected I’d be so close to him to be influenced by the overwhelming
potency of his demeanor.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> I say, “Um,
excuse me, Mr. DePaul, I’m here for the—”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“Be quiet,” he says evenly, his fingers moving
across the keyboard like a skilled typist.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">I snap my head back. “Excuse me?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Who is he to tell me to be quiet? He’s the CEO
and all, but my own daddy doesn’t tell me to <i>be quiet</i>. He’s got the game
twisted.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">He glares at me from across the table – eyes focused
on me like lasers, regarding me with cruel disparagement, like I ate the last
donut or something. He clears his voice and reiterates, “I said be quiet.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><span style="font-family: georgia;">________</span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span>Pre-Order your copy of </span><i><a href="https://www.tinamartin.net/2022/05/rude-boss-depaul-company-book-1-book.html">Rude Boss</a></i><span> now at </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B1TBBB1Q">Amazon</a> or <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/rude-boss-tina-martin/1141654786?ean=2940186667759">Barnes & Noble</a>.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Add to your <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61152975-rude-boss">Goodreads bookshelf</a>!<br /></span><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Release Date</b>: June 24, 2022</span><br /><br /></div></div>Tina Martin Publicationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960495178266227020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3420476264703704501.post-57819157677102902962022-03-15T12:26:00.002-04:002023-04-30T08:57:45.379-04:00Zander and Alyssa are Back!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09TDMY4HS" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiN_lrvFC3OzDDwPfgD6Vg04M7n0yoc_cPQB-AQ54ucRqxOo07FQT-14FRHa0Pgd-23ZIh_Y8WMKil9xES6cyGyZzGFk33M9tAP6MSOzW_ALCssIoIxojI2n-ncVPIlmkECJfLbpyBjpTVoaBFJoxg5sqLPiJsyblqSLXrA2bkyD2E68xytB-KJsGHv=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Zander and Alyssa are back in <a href="https://www.tinamartin.net/2022/02/keep-that-same-energy-zander-and-alyssa.html">Keep That Same Energy</a>! I haven't written a St. Claire update story in a while, but here it is, readers! If you thought Alyssa was in love with Zander before, (while reading <i>Just Being Us</i> and <i>Zander</i>) wait until you read this book!<br /><br />Going forward, I want to do update stories on all of the St. Claire couples, but the reason I did this one right now is that the story is still fresh in my mind. Anyway, I can't wait for you to read it. The chemistry between Zander and Alyssa is fire. Please note, if you're new to the St. Claire Series, each book tells the individual story of one of the brothers, half brothers or cousins. You can read them in any order you choose, but for the reading order by release date, visit the <a href="https://www.tinamartin.net/2018/01/the-st-claire-series.html">St. Claire Series Page</a>.<br /><br />If you would like to read <a href="https://www.tinamartin.net/2022/02/keep-that-same-energy-zander-and-alyssa.html">Keep That Same Energy</a>, you MUST read <i>Just Being Us: The Prequel to Zander</i> and<i> Zander (A St. Claire Novel)</i> first. Here's a short excerpt of <i>Keep That Same Energy</i>.<br /><br /><br /></span><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><<<Excerpt (Lizzie's Perspective)>>></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br />To get his attention, I say, “I must be seeing things.”<br /><br />He turns around, smiles, and I swear my legs immediately go weak. Every nerve ending in my body tingles, flickers and burns with awareness. I know I should be used to this – with him being my best friend and all for over a decade – but I’m not. Zander, who is now my husband, is the culmination of everything I desire. He’s the answer to all I’ve ever wanted in a man. It’s always been him and only him.<br /><br />“Welcome home, baby.”<br /><br />My temperature rises. Maybe it’s the stove. Maybe it’s him.<br /><br />Most likely, it’s him.<br /><br />He says, “And no, you’re not seeing things. I’m cooking for my wife. I know you’ve had a long day and I’m here to make it better. Now, come over here and give your man some love, girl.”<br /><br />My man. I like the sound of that.<br /><br />I walk over to him. He handles the rest, circling his sinewy arms around me and squeezing so hard, I think I may need an oxygen tank. It’s worth not breathing to feel this good. This loved.<br /><br />He releases me, then takes a kiss. It’s not one of those kisses in passing. He goes for a deep one – one that has me tasting the food he’s been sampling while he cooked. The taste of brown gravy lingers on my tongue, and it sure is good. For a second, I think about taking a bite of him.</span><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">- - - - - - <br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Order <i>Keep That Same Energy</i> now on Amazon </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09TDMY4HS" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">here</a><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">. </span></p><p><br /></p></div>Tina Martin Publicationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960495178266227020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3420476264703704501.post-72552044502535943882022-03-15T11:57:00.003-04:002023-04-30T08:58:47.586-04:00Gemma St. Claire on Love, Marriage and Trials.<p> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BKR5DN6F" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX1iyOxnM79724-rV8jxREMij6f90cd6ZwtKfXxxkKCUWepcA6R7P2BjH72Rqm_J342D3auY5Amt3fwc6Yqvxeaor1WBmLZZNozJ0805ZRMOQoUiBtqRnj1RvEZhMyg2Bz1VulEp7VMqKQoyo_lFTa4i-dsMNI8r6OVfgtTBruD_eu67-lvLMakhbu/w640-h360/Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20Copy%20of%20The%20Boardwalk%20Bakery%20Romance.png" width="640" /></a><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: justify;">We're back with a new St. Claire Series. This series is The St. Claire Women and the first book is titled <a href="https://www.tinamartin.net/2022/10/gemma-st-claire-women-book-description.html">Gemma</a>. With this series, you'll get to know the women more as these new St. Claire marriages progress. Gemma and Royal's relationship is sweet. They started off as friends, although he quickly developed feelings for her that she didn't think were possible. In this new story, <a href="https://www.tinamartin.net/2022/10/gemma-st-claire-women-book-description.html">Gemma (The St. Claire Women, book 1)</a> you'll get to know one of your favorite couples on a deeper level, see what they've been up to, and how married life is going for them.</div></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><b>IMPORTANT</b>: If you are new to the St. Claires, please note the reading order. Gemma first appeared in <a href="https://www.tinamartin.net/2018/01/the-boardwalk-bakery-romance-series.html">The Boardwalk Bakery Romance Series</a>. She is the younger sister of Gianna. Although The Boardwalk Bakery Series tells Gianna's and Ramsey's story, Gemma is a huge part of it. I would highly suggest you read <a href="https://www.tinamartin.net/2018/01/the-boardwalk-bakery-romance-series.html">The Boardwalk Bakery Series (Baked With Love 1, 2 & 3)</a> before reading this update story. Additionally, you will need to read <a href="https://www.tinamartin.net/2017/10/royal-st-claire-novel-book-description.html">Royal (A St. Claire Novel, Book 1)</a>.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Pre-Order <a href="https://www.tinamartin.net/2022/10/gemma-st-claire-women-book-description.html">Gemma</a> now for $3.99. The price will increase on release day!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Happy reading friends!</span></div><p></p>Tina Martin Publicationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960495178266227020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3420476264703704501.post-45162381038412284602022-02-18T08:00:00.003-05:002022-02-18T08:00:00.235-05:00It's a Re-Release: Dying To Love Her is Now Available...Again!<div style="text-align: justify;"><i style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Dying to Love Her </i><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">is back. Andre and Ava's story was originally released back in 2015. I so love their story because Ava is lost. Andre is lost. They fell in love on vacation and parted ways. But circumstances brought them back together in a way neither of them can believe.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09MBG6RPC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgV9CJT03PBID7wLluvTFhIdDqe04jEpdJQ2fZCX6OYR_qESTKiiwatdYKnUY2HDxMW6tS1QNuqrgtXG9rW1QTKL-cBZpez1TVfB6Q75K42gB6BVfF7mtmYfEgUGYWmF8D-dsF0yVDZ-GpMyeAHAh1j4gN32yZigLxpVUScpwdeQpgTXPYBbD8lwlhp=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>Dying to Love Her</i> is available exclusively on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09MBG6RPC">Amazon</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09MBG6RPC">Kindle Unlimited</a>. Read an excerpt below:</span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“ANDRE, YO, you cool man? You look like you have just seen a ghost,” Scott whispered.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“Uh...um, yeah. I’m good,” Andre responded, but he wasn’t good. As he looked across the restaurant he saw the woman he’d fallen in love with. He questioned himself at first, but it had to be her. She still looked the same as he’d remembered her – short black hair cut into a pretty style that neatly showcased the beautiful features of her face – small pouty lips and dark eyes. Milk chocolate brown skin. Yes, that was her – the woman who’d broken his heart. He thought she’d fallen off the face of the earth, but now, there she was, sitting just a few feet away from him, so close he could walk over to her. Talk to her. Touch her.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">He contemplated walking over to her, but something else grabbed his attention and nearly ripped the life out of him – something he couldn’t turn away from, even after Scott had tried to redirect his attention back to their working lunch.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">All the associates, including Benjamin, were looking at him, trying to figure out the source of his sudden silence.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Andre grew speechless – trying to wrap his mind around the fact that the little boy sitting next to Ava in a high chair looked identical to him. He did not need a DNA test to know the boy was his son.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“Ay, Andre,” Scott said again.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Andre snapped out of his trance, looked at Scott then resumed the meeting. After all, that was the reason he was here. He cleared his throat and said, “So, as you all know, Benjamin will assume the role of chief financial officer once the merger is complete.”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Andre took out his briefcase and handed them all a printout of their new job descriptions. Then he looked over at Ava’s table again and saw her packing up. Was she leaving? Running away?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">He shot her an ominous glower. He concluded she was only leaving because she saw him. She wouldn’t slip away so easily this time. And she definitely wasn’t going to take off with his son.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Turning his attention back to the meeting, he said, “Ah...those are your new job roles and responsibilities. Most are in line with what you currently do today, just a few tweaks here and there. I will need these signed and returned to me no later than Friday.” Andre was supposed to go over the job roles one-by-one, but with this discovery, his mind was no longer on work. How could he?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">After noticing Ava had gotten up from the table, he wouldn’t fully take his eyes off of her. He watched the older woman she was with exit with the little boy while Ava headed in the opposite direction, probably to the bathroom.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“Hey…Andre,” Benjamin said.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“Yeah?”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“I think it will be helpful if the both of us met with everyone here individually to discuss these responsibilities in more detail, as well as salary expectations.”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“Yeah, you’re…um…right,” Andre said as he watched Ava emerge.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Andre eyed her as she walked past his table. She didn’t look at him. Didn’t attempt to speak.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Now she’s trying to make a run for it, he thought, as she walked on by like they were complete strangers. Like their paths had never crossed.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">* * *</div></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09MBG6RPC">Amazon Kindle Unlimited</a> | <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09SNV8G9V">Paperback Copy</a></span></p></div>Tina Martin Publicationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960495178266227020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3420476264703704501.post-6025571265276583912021-12-21T07:00:00.003-05:002021-12-21T08:20:52.325-05:00#TeaserTuesday - Stranded Beside the Road<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWGRejtkIgqwuqaoFAn1zVAFOlzbF53VraI5BSJp_ZRlPkpbGhRChaYHdB2ik1H7szK6gXf3COHOSvJnAlRM5L9pvzzcw6VxhBzoA6OZr5EBcc8ffpnt2A0nkJDcnYo29yneJvVi5mPkRbNEXCI6Lk-6Bwk3rahnPVfAlTw1ilGgBu4sMTCHxE6W21=s851" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="851" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWGRejtkIgqwuqaoFAn1zVAFOlzbF53VraI5BSJp_ZRlPkpbGhRChaYHdB2ik1H7szK6gXf3COHOSvJnAlRM5L9pvzzcw6VxhBzoA6OZr5EBcc8ffpnt2A0nkJDcnYo29yneJvVi5mPkRbNEXCI6Lk-6Bwk3rahnPVfAlTw1ilGgBu4sMTCHxE6W21=w640-h237" width="640" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Hi reader friends! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Enjoy this excerpt for <a href="https://www.tinamartin.net/2021/11/snowed-in-at-shenandoah-valley-book.html">Snowed in at Shenandoah Valley</a>. Dare and Deja are awesome, especially once you get to know them.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>[This is a preliminary excerpt and subject to changes before the book release]</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; text-indent: 19.2px;">**********</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">Glancing at the side-view mirror, Deja paused
when she saw a GMC pickup truck pull up behind her.<o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">“Hell-oooooooo?” Sariah sang into the receiver.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">“We’ll finish this later. I gotta go.” She ended
the call but held on to her cell phone as she watched a man get out of the truck
wearing a black peacoat, a black and white winter scarf and a red toboggan. Now,
he was walking toward her car.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">“Oh, no. This ain’t going to go well…” Deja said.
She wasn’t exactly what you would call a people-person, and she understood that
about herself, but other folk did not. They assumed she had a few screws loose
and let her be.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">Now, some man was walking up on her. She assumed he
was in law enforcement. Ordinary people didn’t stop for stranded motorists these
days, did they?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">He tapped on her window with a gloved hand. She
rolled the window down to a paper-thin crack and asked, “Can I help you,
officer?” Her breath fogged the window.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">He smiled.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">Deja noticed his teeth were whiter than the beautiful
snowflakes landing on his beard, coat and hat. <i>Wow</i>, she thought,
instantly feeling a rush of blood to her brain. He was bundled for the elements,
but she could still tell he had it going on.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">He said, “I’m not an officer, ma’am. I saw your
car steaming. I figured I’d pull over to lend you a hand.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">“Oh, um, that’s nice of you and all, but I’m good,
officer.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">He narrowed his gaze at the lady. He’d already
told her he wasn’t an officer, yet she was still referring to him as one. Was
she that nervous? He looked at the hood, smelled coolant and said, “You’re not
good. I think your engine overheated. There’s no way you can drive it any
further.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">“Oh, uh, well, that’s a bummer, isn’t it? Anyway,
thanks for stopping by.” Deja rolled the window back up, but the man was still
standing there. Using his knuckles, he tapped on the glass again.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">Deja inched the window down to an even smaller
crack than before. “Yes?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">“I can pull your car to the next exit. At least,
that way, it’ll be off of the freeway.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><i><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">Why is he so eager to help me? Seems suspect…<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">“I appreciate the offer, but I’m good,” Deja told
the eager man. “I have roadside service.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">“With this traffic and the storm, roadside
service probably won’t be here for a few hours yet.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">She chewed her lip. The tall, well-spoken stranger
with flawless teeth was right, but what was she supposed to do? Get into a
car with a complete stranger? Then she thought about those people who freely summoned
a lift on those rideshare apps. They rode with strangers all the time and that
was to get rides after a night of drinking and partying. Being stranded in a
snowstorm was no party. This was an extreme circumstance. She could freeze her
behind off beside the road or get rammed by a car or tractor-trailer skidding
out of control. She had to do something. Besides, he seemed nice enough.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">She sighed and said, “Um, okay, but just off the
freeway and then we go our separate ways.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">“Yes, ma’am.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">He walked back to his truck and when he had
clearance, he pulled out onto the street, passed her car and pulled over again.
He backed up the truck until it was close enough to hook up her car to it. After
he had successfully accomplished the task, he walked back to her car and said, “Shift
the gear to neutral.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">“Okay,” she said, doing as he asked.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">He said, “Okay, you can get out now.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">She grimaced. That wasn’t a part of the plan. “What?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">“You can get out now. You know you have to ride
with me, right?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">“I can’t sit here and steer while you pull me?”
she asked, trying to come up with a scenario where she didn’t have to be enclosed
in a vehicle with him.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">He grinned again. “No, ma’am. There would be no
reason to steer if I’m pulling the car.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">“Oh. Right. Well, what if I don’t touch the
wheel?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">“That’s not safe. Come on. You’ll be fine in the truck
with me. I’m harmless.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><i><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">Perhaps the last words she’d hear before being
bludgeoned to death… <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">“Okay,” she said, grabbing her purse. She stepped
out of the car. Snowflakes dwindled down on her brown ringlets. Her flats were no
match for the snow and ice. She was falling backward when he caught her.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">“Whew! That was close. Thank you,” she said,
looking up at him while snowflakes showered them both.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">“No problem.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">She found herself impressed by his tall stature
and his willingness to help.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">He found himself enchanted by her oval face, cocoa
brown skin and the way the wind tossed her shoulder-length hair.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond",serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 150%;">**********</span></p></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Enjoyed the excerpt? Pre-Order <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09L46XJFY">Snowed in at Shenandoah Valley</a> today on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09L46XJFY">Amazon</a>. This title is coming to all ebook retailers, including Nook, Apple iBooks, Scribd and Kobo.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Follow Tina on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tinamartinauthor/">Instagram</a> for more updates!</span></p>Tina Martin Publicationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960495178266227020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3420476264703704501.post-74658738700756746922021-11-09T12:09:00.002-05:002021-11-29T20:04:11.355-05:005 Romances by Tina Martin to Read This Winter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.tinamartin.net" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRANbOw3ELu3z2WweZdQFE767aKwLnVs3r15NAhnw7hboZY2gBCWb2AVG3kqqB_AzyoFhogWcI9RhTs4g-Eq-CX4-ZnLZtxfiwrdU0IXh7Mq6hT5uVGWd2nzewRz5k8arrUAuOcc6LHaM/s320/www.tinamartin.net+%25282%2529.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Winter breaks are better with books! So while you're curled up with a blanket and a cup of hot cocoa, grab one of these titles when you're all snowed in with nowhere to go. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.tinamartin.net/2018/11/hot-chocolate-winter-novelette-book.html" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1085" data-original-width="678" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHwaiToOfpc_h_0jhOc2nR6lJ96hAhXRX0zpoUXVdh5bn5Hf95RaY4jiEHuDdF0YgTlKrjC-Ois3WO8ErFFk-Lyihyb6A-IRteDlU38RaumqQUQP0FvuZ8AVGAnWHEpQMtJbKOJgyx1M/s320/Hot+Chocolate+Medium.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><h1 style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Hot Chocolate</span></b></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">This wintry goodness takes place in the Tennessee mountains at a quaint little Bed and Breakfast. It's a quick read about when Titus Cassidy is on a secret mission to find out everything he can about Baker Bed and Breakfast. He didn't expect to fall for the Haven, the woman running the place. </span><span style="font-size: large;">This title is available in Kindle Unlimited.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Winter Wonder & Winter Wedding</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Winter Wonder</i> takes place in the North Carolina Mountains. Drake Lennox is the maintenance man for the Lennox chain of hotels and resorts. When Lavina Nelson plans her company's grand anniversary party at a Lennox hotel, she's met with resistance in the form of a hater who turns out to be her best friend. Drake helps the shy CEO to break out of her shell and reclaim what's hers. Winter Wedding is the follow-up to their story.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.tinamartin.net/2019/11/winter-wonder-lennox-in-love-book.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1017" data-original-width="678" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCzygr5aPJihFbsKiwt7DetDLTRZRHLQWTkS-H41hwct0327A5GlcHO4WXhVdrgFSwo8pQXlj5_H_A1Xetfikq-ok9u-W83sVm76Ew44oJg4TcY5afJiIzaMRodhmwHVYuANizqSnzilk/s320/Winter+Wonder+Medium.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="https://www.tinamartin.net/2019/12/winter-wedding-lennox-in-love.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC0GPCLJkDUh8_gROBxlPtfXp8vrLvDwFg0XSQdy8kGX7ovgV1tZyC8olU2vVk6YwtqugoLL7WrNhvAPEBKhxeNUj9uFsnpCoHBb3rPp1azLHeKwlRRQmXlXSl4IiTLrgl9kGPTKkSMhw/s320/Winter+Wedding+LARGE.jpg" width="213" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Caught in the Storm With a Lennox</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This book is a prequel to the novel, <i>Claiming You</i>, that introduces you to Remington Lennox and Emory McNeil. They have special ties because of Emory's loving care of Remington's mother. The only thing is, Emory has no idea Remington is the woman's millionaire son.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.tinamartin.net/2016/11/caught-in-storm-with-lennox-book.html" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1017" data-original-width="678" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiBQUKx7QNvjsoePDuM_v8SG73UrGA163LKTsMl9Hd4hTpyicM1F6VEjvScKvV58tpZMIe3C8h5WQQq3gCbqCz0t1dyTcvOOS3eUvoIK5ml65GZN6fF3RaX_PJUabO8RqULLI-w9L83PI/s320/Caught+in+the+Storm+With+a+Lennox+Medium.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Man of Her Dreams</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Finally, we have <i>Man of Her Dreams</i>. This is one of my favorite winter stories because of the concept. Elsie doesn't date because she claims she hasn't found the man of her dreams. To prove her wrong, her bestie, Priscilla secretly sets her up with an amazingly handsome man who has all the physical attributes Elsie <i>claims </i>she wants. Will she go on a date with him, or retreat into her shell? This title is available on Kindle Unlimited.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.tinamartin.net/2018/01/man-of-her-dreams-book-description.html" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoguBGfoA7ij71GeBkkpTy8u9X0AETOk3YgPgLNLL9l0xlnHRS1Uuo-MRmVnOEPKQVoAuOX0QZxXiEv-ly4bL0Q_hEx5OI1fExYmg2QszDyd_L_StMEfWR9IWFvCParPujFkwIz3JhjHU/s320/Man+of+Her+Dreams+LRGE.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>Look for the newest winter novel, </span><a href="https://www.tinamartin.net/2021/11/snowed-in-at-shenandoah-valley-book.html">Snowed in at Shenandoah Valley</a><span> coming this January! Follow Tina Martin on</span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/tinamartinauthor"> Facebook</a><span> or </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tinamartinauthor">Instagram</a><span> to stay informed of new releases and more!</span></span></div><p><br /></p>Tina Martin Publicationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960495178266227020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3420476264703704501.post-20751027201382538412021-11-05T23:25:00.002-04:002024-03-27T09:20:50.295-04:00Or Forever Hold Your Peace<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/story/B0CRP76F16" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV8uiDm1N7utBKGiXd5maBCP4QQBbYIa5rQkaxkI2KQ2NSm1HYNxqSUqWwwqHEayxAWUxs3kzRtnGKOm_lm8h_p82ClWAIW0Tb_doGJnVn8nx9Q_tU_YKpSIBv6t1eezBi_IdQGqmamRRmrR0kCt_fJ1GAMic2-pHhyJT59TVGrClgmsNFsr6yS0g-BM4/w640-h360/featured2.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><b>Or Forever Hold Your Peace</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">(Only available on Kindle Vella)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Story Description:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Samir Reed is my best friend I think I’m in love with him. It’s not his creamy brown complexion, the hazel eyes, his tall, athletic build – okay, maybe they have something to do with my attraction. Overall, though, he’s a good, decent hardworking man. He’s been my best friend since elementary school. Now, he’s engaged to another woman and I have to pretend I’m happy about it because he wants me there with him every step of the way. But what about what I want? Should I hold my peace and let the man I love marry someone else, or confess how I feel? At this point, both options may lead to disaster.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The First 10 episodes are FREE!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/kindle-vella/story/B0CRP76F16" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Start Reading</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Episode 1: Bachelor Party for Two</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Episode 2: In Love With My Best Friend</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Episode 3: An Unexpected Visit</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Episode 4: What Do You Want</span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Episode 5: The Rehearsal Dinner<br />Episode 6 The Confession<br />Episode 7 Does She Love You More<br />Episode 8 Wedding Day Part I<br />Episode 9 Wedding Day Part II</span><br /><br /><p></p>Tina Martin Publicationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960495178266227020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3420476264703704501.post-33018881638735731542021-11-05T15:17:00.008-04:002024-02-11T20:47:03.034-05:00Shop for Autographed Books!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.tinamartinbookshop.com/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja_bbYLM2ehLmSC76pD1rM9MDK2vWMpvzH6otR_HcrEGQjJZeFJOX_D-xLwc9CRZFbKqnqdaWRWzU90miBn22ToGfBQloucJakVRj9v3wDAlU0RHRj9JIk3MgVPA_QtM3IhDoE7ut7Ges3mygEVXGQao5eHibua4Uqxn1sllKO_E1D6arhOQs13BMki7I/w640-h360/autographed1.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.tinamartinbookshop.com/" target="_blank">Shop Tina's Online Bookstore</a></span></div><p></p>Tina Martin Publicationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960495178266227020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3420476264703704501.post-57664506349155671302021-11-05T15:15:00.000-04:002024-02-11T20:50:35.060-05:00Meet The Author: Tina Martin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipD6uBajYaU5pj5csaSWcBZCJWCa0v4NTKByk_WIL_2y9EUuObmjyQhd3Xep6kImLdp1fO34xF6giKu5iRteqa4_TSnEpdZNfWZtMRbbmCEnpQBEIhhRGh07jZ54g5uWZyc--DUjzhNviZDJsucLcWs1RBrLlS84PFcMtjSTu1vhWjFRH0zQ4910rM/s1280/author%20page.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipD6uBajYaU5pj5csaSWcBZCJWCa0v4NTKByk_WIL_2y9EUuObmjyQhd3Xep6kImLdp1fO34xF6giKu5iRteqa4_TSnEpdZNfWZtMRbbmCEnpQBEIhhRGh07jZ54g5uWZyc--DUjzhNviZDJsucLcWs1RBrLlS84PFcMtjSTu1vhWjFRH0zQ4910rM/w640-h360/author%20page.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Learn more about the author. Visit the </span><a href="https://www.tinamartin.net/p/author.html" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">About</a><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> page.</span></div>Tina Martin Publicationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960495178266227020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3420476264703704501.post-23516767042314865972021-11-05T15:12:00.004-04:002024-02-11T20:29:47.283-05:00Audiobooks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.tinamartin.net/p/audiobooks.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK1quh7EmLpXauAAkVGdn5L3m3HnSXaAKnKPb6YI0Qjy1VRREEeodMyNeefSTZ5sHI_7vQFmENMAdB1zvwdtqRdlMIKfxUIJd0yCCTBIob3uRpX8UemVMJ8hnpMb6C5G8lvQYptLs7n1ymzdIuSP1EYbzwrwPQIUXCUYNwT8wmGCMzKLC7jEZQX9096I4/w640-h360/rom%20audio.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Check out Tina's selection of Audiobooks!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.tinamartin.net/p/audiobooks.html" target="_blank">Audiobooks</a></span></div><p></p>Tina Martin Publicationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960495178266227020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3420476264703704501.post-38241808717553358582021-10-12T11:05:00.006-04:002021-10-12T11:05:54.854-04:00#TeaserTuesday - The Store Dilemma<p><a href="https://www.tinamartin.net/2021/09/the-weekend-lennox-in-love-book.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="970" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGozFqMJa_7oP6AHLXN1hLDZRZXqJ1hWt4z6ECMmL7U-6HcOk90CUi4oOxX_ESlTNvtrEFNglHLoxZi9w4nUxC-MpYdllL_l8YRUa8CaWp9Hq9rBbxUjpw4fd7yCsnbcgL1BboJx8vajE/w640-h198/Copy+of+Copy+of+Copy+of+Can+one+weekend+%25281%2529.png" width="640" /></a></p>Today for #TeaserTuesday, I am sharing a mini-excerpt of <a href="https://www.tinamartin.net/2021/09/the-weekend-lennox-in-love-book.html">The Weekend</a>. This story is the latest <a href="https://www.tinamartin.net/2018/01/caught-in-storm-with-lennox-short-story.html">Lennox in Love Series</a> book. Keep in mind that this excerpt is preliminary and subject to slight changes before the book release date. Enjoy!<div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">-------------------</div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .2in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Jessalyn found a close parking space to the door and
shut off the engine.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .2in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“Don’t take all day in there,” Davina said, but
since Jessalyn had turned off the engine, she knew she wasn’t about to be as <i>quick</i>
as she led on.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .2in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“Davina, why don’t you come inside for a minute
and see the new store layout. It looks really nice.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .2in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“Nice try, but you’re not about to have me up in
there only so you can stay longer. I’ll pass.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .2in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“I’ll only be a few minutes. There’s no need for
you to be sitting in the car looking crazy, now bring your butt on here.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .2in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“No.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .2in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“Why not?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .2in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“First, I don’t want to get out. We weren’t
supposed to stop here, anyway. Second, every time I <i>happen</i> to be at the
store, Corbin gawks at me like he ain’t never seen a woman in his life. Ugh…it’s
highly annoying.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .2in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“It’s not annoying. It’s cute. You know Corbin
likes you,” Jessalyn gushed, raising her brows.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .2in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“No, I don’t. How would I know that? How do <i>you</i>
know that?”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .2in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“I’ve seen him staring at you and I know you’ve
seen it too.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .2in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“I ain’t seen nothing.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .2in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Jessalyn snickered reservedly. “Sure you haven’t.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .2in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“Well, whatever the case, I’m not interested.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .2in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“Davina, stop it. There ain’t a thing wrong with
Corbin. He’s super cute and hardworking—you could use a good, down-to-earth man
in your life. You most certainly ain’t going to find that at The Vue.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .2in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The Vue was the local hotspot where the younger
crowd gathered on the weekends to party after long work weeks. Davina had never
claimed to be looking for a man there, but just to irritate her sister, she
asked, “How do you know? I’m sure some fine marriages have resulted from nightclubs.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .2in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“You mean one-night stands and accidental
pregnancies.” Laughing, Jessalyn opened the car door. “Come on, Vina. This will
only take a few minutes.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: .2in;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">“Ugh. Fine,” Davina said angrily unbuckling her
seatbelt.</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">-------------------</div><div><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b>Release Date October 22, 2021</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.2in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09GHV73N8" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="50" data-original-width="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHdPhmj_rpdhDQ_KjfZSWwBOshHnRtTME4_Z1msNW2ZMOWBf0B7C-kTavp6PAlzlI30D3KMCAf4WgSelALr9sfF6adC8AQLBRnk_905G83uaYLKDcJD06u5UxJYbdOtgzhDz43u4pGJSo/s16000/PRE-ORDER+THE+WEEKEND.png" /></a></span></div></div>Tina Martin Publicationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960495178266227020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3420476264703704501.post-60015365255924691302021-08-03T16:40:00.001-04:002021-08-03T16:41:44.843-04:00#TeaserTuesday - Alyssa and Zander on IG<p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Okay, so they're really not on Insta, but being the eager author that I am, I thought I'd give you some what-if scenarios that would happen between them if they were on Instagram. Below, Alyssa posts, "Life is good". Do you see Zander's response? That's probably confusing for her, right? After all, she is in love with him and he supposedly has no idea.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7MY0xEgnkhF1TgpGc0hRClapyO_AQG0c_a5d5_DdLsh4rm5AV-iJppHXb789yz_JxF2BPVFFcP7yGnFnBEueLc5BpLTq2_TMY8mNGkXd8EVV5C7ShRUXaccegUsOUJ0tJcAD3qFvbk5A/s754/27-07-2021x3dio_gsimage.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="754" data-original-width="402" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7MY0xEgnkhF1TgpGc0hRClapyO_AQG0c_a5d5_DdLsh4rm5AV-iJppHXb789yz_JxF2BPVFFcP7yGnFnBEueLc5BpLTq2_TMY8mNGkXd8EVV5C7ShRUXaccegUsOUJ0tJcAD3qFvbk5A/w342-h640/27-07-2021x3dio_gsimage.png" width="342" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Zander posted after one of his workouts at the fire house. Of course, Alyssa had to comment about him showing off, I mean, who could miss those muscles, but Zander is hoping she's cooked dinner because he's on the way to her apartment.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiayzhuQdEJhR3lMyBb7lM3huG0tmnqvB7KmwxZ7XQQjTSom51zuBSHTibqAbQ43nv2uYxoIXHcm5Jc5bh1n5crpImklV8URa8EAaWW_TDyGAQEyaFuaCXIWpXh8nbtS1UG0D4OsZFZUbM/s561/27-07-20210fezz_gsimage.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="561" data-original-width="402" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiayzhuQdEJhR3lMyBb7lM3huG0tmnqvB7KmwxZ7XQQjTSom51zuBSHTibqAbQ43nv2uYxoIXHcm5Jc5bh1n5crpImklV8URa8EAaWW_TDyGAQEyaFuaCXIWpXh8nbtS1UG0D4OsZFZUbM/w458-h640/27-07-20210fezz_gsimage.png" width="458" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">And finally, Alyssa posted that she had lunch at Rocco's - one the restaurants in the strip mall where she works and is also a key element of the story. Zimyra, Zander's sister, leaves a comment.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiktcZrwk0W9McygwtkSJCjGbkDIcuYF9FkN6erDVh2ZIh6lqEit7De4bo0byXcgS7afVQRpYAOOlXe7N4M6oja_8XOg9gz35zIbMhVr6g_hlPJ5ACVPoVeFcBiqZWeNQwEVYRFLj5ivYI/s636/28-07-2021i7w9y_gsimage.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="636" data-original-width="402" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiktcZrwk0W9McygwtkSJCjGbkDIcuYF9FkN6erDVh2ZIh6lqEit7De4bo0byXcgS7afVQRpYAOOlXe7N4M6oja_8XOg9gz35zIbMhVr6g_hlPJ5ACVPoVeFcBiqZWeNQwEVYRFLj5ivYI/w404-h640/28-07-2021i7w9y_gsimage.png" width="404" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">I hope you enjoyed this little glimpse into their lives. I like doing interesting things to help bring the characters to life. I had fun making them. If you missed the prequel to Zander, <a href="https://www.tinamartin.net/2014/12/just-being-us-prequel-to-zander.html" target="_blank">Just Being Us</a>, visit the book<a href="https://www.tinamartin.net/2014/12/just-being-us-prequel-to-zander.html"> page</a> to find out where to purchase. Zander is available for order on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B096M5NGN1" target="_blank">Amazon</a>. It releases on Friday, August 6, 2021.</span></div>Tina Martin Publicationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960495178266227020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3420476264703704501.post-48425715446210533672021-07-12T22:59:00.005-04:002021-11-05T15:17:46.339-04:00#TeaserTuesday - It's a New Release!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixC2MAxMgSW-bC3KSv1QxRkjUdfIwA3bEzKO_eu_8_1fojJbH5WkDy6O2CWjzp8kbUfS1ZdNh_EqVeHUSg-oX-0Sz5QhFKHrjJZ6muuJRWP0Rd1lG12DW1FhGnzSpRi_0zbBoY0Wa3UiM/s693/Copy+of+Just+Being+Us+%25281%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="457" data-original-width="693" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixC2MAxMgSW-bC3KSv1QxRkjUdfIwA3bEzKO_eu_8_1fojJbH5WkDy6O2CWjzp8kbUfS1ZdNh_EqVeHUSg-oX-0Sz5QhFKHrjJZ6muuJRWP0Rd1lG12DW1FhGnzSpRi_0zbBoY0Wa3UiM/w400-h264/Copy+of+Just+Being+Us+%25281%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"> <span style="text-align: center;">It's a new release! <i><a href="https://www.tinamartin.net/2014/12/just-being-us-prequel-to-zander.html" target="_blank">Just Being Us</a></i> is the prequel to Zander, A St. Claire Novel. I didn't think I would write a prequel to this story, but it was too good to pass up! I love these two. Zander and Alyssa are hilarious and I love the way they have each other's backs, even back when they were younger. The prequel takes you to their lives when they were twenty-three years old. You get to see how they interact with each other and how Alyssa has always had a crush on her best friend. </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.tinamartin.net/2014/12/just-being-us-prequel-to-zander.html" target="_blank">Download Your Copy of <i>Just Being Us</i></a></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>Just Being Us</i> is the prequel to <a href="https://www.tinamartin.net/2021/06/zander-st-claire-novel-book-description.html" target="_blank">Zander (A St. Claire Novel)</a> that will be released on August 6, 2021. You can pre-order at this <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B096M5NGN1" target="_blank">link</a>. Read more about Zander at the <a href="https://www.tinamartin.net/2021/06/zander-st-claire-novel-book-description.html">book page</a>.</span></div><br /><p></p>Tina Martin Publicationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960495178266227020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3420476264703704501.post-60982952018414851902021-07-11T20:04:00.006-04:002021-07-23T08:21:33.647-04:00Lifetime Movie Review - Framed By My Husband<p><span style="font-size: large;">Review for <a href="https://www.mylifetime.com/movies/framed-by-my-husband" target="_blank">Framed By My Husband</a> that premiered on July 10, 2021 on Lifetime.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.mylifetime.com/movies/framed-by-my-husband" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoScopDVxqAZHK13ZDah7ZQIQIFyndiIbLANJdiRP5dpHV6WfZKyzxZEGP75SVhZrsMz_I6VUNj-_pZvQwg7ApjfAGc4BLlh9Bk6nAZ_YScn7LddAx_rdAp9jMKEzrlVWdHv3Hj_1J-aI/s320/Her-Husbands-Secret-Life-Desktop.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Image via <a href="http://www.mylifetime.com">www.mylifetime.com</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;">*SPOILER ALERT* Do not read if you haven't watched the movie yet.</span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">June Lowe works at a hospital but is an aspiring writer. Her husband, Rick Lowe, is a writer and just learns that he made the New York Times Bestseller's List. The movie opens with him signing copies of his books and the women readers are supposed to be totally <i>obsessed </i>with him because of the kind of stories he writes.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">One day out of the blue, June gets a letter in the mail from a woman who claimed Rick assaulted her and they're seeking money, fifty-thousand dollars, or they would go to the cops. Rick tells his wife that the fans are obsessed with him and he's never assaulted anyone. Together, they come up with a plan to pay them off, but he wants his wife to make the money drop...</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">That's how she gets framed.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I knew this Rick character was a little flaky to start. I mean, after all, the title is 'Framed By My Husband' but he certainly did a good job of pretending to be normal. I didn't like the fact that he didn't want his wife to be a writer, but always talked about <i>his </i>success. I think he brought up something about them having a baby to take her mind off of being a writer, but June isn't ready to be a mother.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">June played a super naive role. First of all, I'm not going to meet anyone at night, in a parking garage with a suitcase full of money. I'm not going to meet anyone at night at a parking garage, period! And when June got there and saw that the people had been killed, she should've called the police then and there (and not touch anything) but she touched everything she could (SMH) and then jumped in the car and floored it back home to her conniving husband.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>I don't remember what led the detectives to her house specifically but her husband threw her way up under the bus and planted evidence.</span><span> </span><span>You know what happens next...she gets arrested (well, sort of). She's so confused by everything that's happening, she falls and hits her head and has to go to the hospital where she's handcuffed to the bed with an officer sitting outside of her door. But not for long. She knocks the daylights out of one of the nurses with a food tray, uses a paperclip to free herself of the handcuffs and now she's free to do her own investigation of her husband.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>Now we get to see who this man really is. Rick Lowe is an author, but he's PSYCHO. </span><span>He uses a dating app to meet up with women. He wears a disguise (an ugly one at that...) uses an alias and assaults the women he meets. Afterward, he goes back to being the normal author. How his wife didn't know he was a little bonkers before he framed her is beyond me. She follows him, tries to convince the women he's meeting up with to go to the police, but they're not trying to listen to her.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Meanwhile, Rick is trying to move in on his wife's sister! He asked her out to dinner. He sent her roses. At one point he met her for coffee and tried to hold her hand. Eew!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Anyway, to make a long story short, the wife ends up solving the case because the police are clueless until the very end (as always the case with these types of movies). I think this concept has been done before so the movie didn't really give off an original vibe. The only surprise for me was that Rick was actually a predator. I thought he wanted to frame his wife because he wanted her younger sister <i>and </i>he wanted to have a child but June wasn't ready for that. I also thought he was being a creep to get more material for his next book. Oh, and I have to mention - I didn't like how dumb June's sister was. I think she should've had her sister's back and at first, she did not. All she did was cry and ask her why she killed those people. What??? And what woman you know leaves their cell phone on the table at a restaurant when they make a bathroom run?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Good one, Lifetime. *wink*</span></p>Tina Martin Publicationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960495178266227020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3420476264703704501.post-48038390283577181282021-07-06T11:00:00.005-04:002021-07-06T11:00:58.682-04:00#TeaserTuesday - Friendship or a Relationship?<div><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B096M5NGN1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtNWuiqWtS92DxQfrpHbEL27VY-b0AC-DNSHTVQqRY1webioTLoxSumbuXHCQxEosjF2lmaC6-xVa2A-Y1aQ6KTJqYtOUNZm5Dt-_hI1xW_M-ZZ-ePnDA6VXCx0xB3n7JSSq7132YYDu4/w640-h360/Copy+of+Copy+of+Copy+of+MONTY.png" width="640" /></a></div></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>Zander (A St. Claire Novel)</b> is now available for Pre-Order on Amazon. The release date is August 6, 2021. </span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B096M5NGN1" target="_blank">Pre-Order Zander</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">For Teaser Tuesday, here's a little background on these two!</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b>How They Met</b>: Zander met Alyssa when his parents moved into her area - Columbia, South Carolina. He was assigned to her class in middle school. They were twelve. Now they're twenty-eight and still friends. <i>Best </i>friends.<br /><br /><b>Things Alyssa Regrets</b>: Not telling Zander how she felt about him all those years ago. Zander was her everything. In many ways, he still is. Her mistake was thinking he knew how she felt already. I think a lot of women make this mistake. Men can't read your mind ladies.<br /><br /><b>Things Zander Likes About Alyssa</b>: She's strong-minded. She likes to forge her own path. She's not afraid to take a risk, especially when it comes to business, and she's always there for him when he needs her.<br /><br /><b>Things Alyssa Likes About Zander</b>: His personality. Some people think he's a little rough around the edges, but she's grown to appreciate him. He follows his own path. He values his family and friendships. And then there are those amazing green/brownish eyes of his...<br /><br />Their story is a <i>friends-to-lovers</i> romance, one of my favorite tropes because I think it's a lot easier to fall in love with someone if you're friends first. Do you agree? Or if you're like Alyssa and Zander, you both could individually be thinking that a relationship will completely destroy a friendship, so you do nothing and say nothing about the way you feel and hope those feelings subside. But what if they never go away?</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Pre-Order <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B096M5NGN1">Zander</a> at Amazon today!</span></div>Tina Martin Publicationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960495178266227020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3420476264703704501.post-86766663181700026292021-04-15T08:08:00.003-04:002021-04-28T12:40:53.524-04:00Acquainted With Atlas - Pre-Release Thoughts<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrQFGVdiRwcq_3BUuZOi1ISG4A9lbr8a-w2_OFAnvip2eVk0XiyPKR3L_GmGCt2vS_EjUrXagopaeAAVK6ic07v9DGpdWpopTsE-T9071e0GiDW1QAp0xIX1fYvtss1WbfbwODzwiodc8/s1280/Copy+of+Copy+of+Copy+of+The+Boardwalk+Bakery+Romance.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrQFGVdiRwcq_3BUuZOi1ISG4A9lbr8a-w2_OFAnvip2eVk0XiyPKR3L_GmGCt2vS_EjUrXagopaeAAVK6ic07v9DGpdWpopTsE-T9071e0GiDW1QAp0xIX1fYvtss1WbfbwODzwiodc8/w640-h360/Copy+of+Copy+of+Copy+of+The+Boardwalk+Bakery+Romance.png" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Greetings, reading fam! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">It's release week and I'm excited to share this story with you all. <b><a href="https://www.tinamartin.net/2021/03/acquainted-with-atlas-hero-reservist.html">Acquainted With Atlas</a></b> is my latest. It's different from anything I've ever written. I'm definitely stretching my imagination with this story. It gives you military vibes, there's an element of sci-fi, but trust it still has a good level of romantic suspense.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaNH5uObzavhH1oqSNMWMEJWBkP7zORAvEK5t9dm_H76fm9uxaFoxXmo2sbjukUsTvauJcK3H3OMmBwWs53cUzrz_MOySG-8o-O61eXMh-KsqbqBcZq4W6XQC9g6Wj3_EazORcqC9FRoA/s640/Acquainted+With+Atlas+Book+1+of+The+Hero+Reservist+Series.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaNH5uObzavhH1oqSNMWMEJWBkP7zORAvEK5t9dm_H76fm9uxaFoxXmo2sbjukUsTvauJcK3H3OMmBwWs53cUzrz_MOySG-8o-O61eXMh-KsqbqBcZq4W6XQC9g6Wj3_EazORcqC9FRoA/w400-h400/Acquainted+With+Atlas+Book+1+of+The+Hero+Reservist+Series.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">So, who's Atlas?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Atlas Zayvian is a reservist, posing as a biochemist. (You'll find out why soon). He's as handsome as they come with his blue eyes, but he's socially awkward due to his tumultuous past. He's never been in love. Never been in a relationship - never been in love. Never wanted to be. Then he met Bria in person and everything changed.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Bria Mallery is a pharmaceutical scientist. She's not posing. This is her real job. She's brilliant, was sought out by the company which she works. She meets Atlas in a way that throws her off balance, leaving her wondering why he singles her out when there are so many women at Genetix Industries who would gladly jump at the chance to date him.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">But he's not interested in <i>them</i>.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">He only has eyes for her.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">I'm super excited about this project since it's a new<i>ish</i> kinda genre for me. To keep the suspense level on point, this story, like some of my other series, is told in three parts so the first book will flow into the second and the second to the third, so you will have to read these stories in order. I hope you enjoy!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Order <b><a href="https://www.tinamartin.net/2021/03/acquainted-with-atlas-hero-reservist.html">Acquainted With Atlas</a></b> on Amazon today! Release day is Friday, April 16, 2021!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Order: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0918RNWNG">Amazon US</a> | <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0918RNWNG">Amazon Canada</a> | <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0918RNWNG">Amazon UK</a> </span></p>Tina Martin Publicationshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16960495178266227020noreply@blogger.com0