Sunday, May 12, 2013

Sneak Peek Sunday: May 12







Welcome back to Sneak Peek Sunday! This a fun little weekly event where authors participate in posting six paragraphs from a work in progress, or a completed work, published or unpublished. There's always a variety, so be sure to check out what authors have to offer!


I thought, since it's Mother's Day, that I would share a scene from Baby Stetson between Avery and her adoptive mother. They are very close, and Avery has a lot of changes in her life, but her mom is being supportive and wonderful.  Here's the snippet!




“I see you’re getting a head start,” Mom said, sitting on the bed beside the open bag. 

 “I couldn’t sleep.  Each dream I had was worse then the one prior,” Avery admitted, folding up the last of the skirts she’d chosen and placed them on top of the pile. 

 Mom reached for Avery’s hand and pulled her to stand right in front of her.  “Avery.  You’re going to be just fine, whatever happens.  I want you to remember that Dad and I love you, and we have been so blessed and lucky to have you come into our lives.  You already know I was devastated after Paula ran off.  Having you around was wonderful.  When I first saw you, bundled up in that beat up Stetson hat, I believed it to be a sign.  I knew then we had to do whatever it took to keep you safe.  When your parents couldn’t be found, I told your father, no questions asked, that we
 were going to fight for you.  I haven’t regretted a day of it since.” 

 “Mom, you’re going to make me cry again,” Avery sniffed, but she couldn’t keep the smile from spreading across her face.  “I love you too.  I’ve always wanted to know where I came from.  I’ve loved being here with you and Dad in Harmony’s Echo.  I’ve thought about what you said about following my dreams, and as hard as it will be to leave you, I realize that music is something I want to pursue.  I want to thank you for the encouragement and neverending support you always give me.”  Avery hugged her mother tight. 

 “I’ve always been a little fearful- okay, well that’s under exaggerated.  I’ve been very fearful of the day you may find your birth parents, but I know now that you would never forget us.  That’s the reason you stayed around even when you had the chance to spread your wings and fly.  No matter the distance between us, you are still my beautiful, talented wonderful daughter.”  Tears cascaded down her mother’s cheeks, which started Avery with her own waterworks. 

 “Thank you so much.”  Avery cried into Mom’s shoulder.  “Thank you for everything you’ve done and continue to do.  I would not be the woman I am today without you.  You’re the best.” 


And there you have it! Today's scene!


Baby Stetson for Kindle

Baby Stetson for Nook

Baby Stetson for Kobo

Add Baby Stetson to your Goodreads list!




Check out some other authors snippets!  And thanks for coming by! 




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Sunday, May 5, 2013

Sneak Peek Sunday May 5




Welcome back to Sneak Peek Sunday! This is the chance that you get to read various snippets of authors work. There's usually a bit of something for everyone, and there's a variety.  We post six paragraphs of a work in progress or a published book.  It's fun and a neat way to find new authors and books.

I've been posting snippets from my latest release, Baby Stetson, and today is no exception.

This snippet is Lucas and Avery getting to know each other, and Lucas startles himself by finding a deeper connection to Avery, more than just a physical attraction, and that's where the demons within begin their battle.






Hell yeah. Where to start? The more time
Lucas spent with her, the more he wanted to know.
He didn’t understand how she could have the same
reserved attitude he had. While they both had been
left by the people that were supposed to love, take
care, and keep them safe, Avery found a home. Lucas
sensed she wanted more, and yet, didn’t jump to find
out more.

 She hid herself in a shell. Lucas wished she’d
come out of it.

 Why did he suddenly have the drive and
inclination to uncover all of her feelings? Lucas had
never wanted to know so much about someone before,
not like this.

 She’s a lot like me.

 If Lucas had to be honest with himself, that
scared him. He’d never connected on such a level with
a woman before. Only physically. While he found
Avery attractive, suddenly there was much more to his
interest in her.
Stop thinking about her. You’re not here to
connect with her.
There you have it! Today's snippet!


Right now, part of the Book Lover's Buffet, I've reduced Baby Stetson down to $.99.

Baby Stetson for Kindle

Baby Stetson for Nook

Baby Stetson for Kobo

Add Baby Stetson to your Goodreads list!


Check out some of the other participants in the Sneak Peek Sunday!  You never know what you'll find!

http://sneak-peek-sunday.blogspot.com/2013/04/sneak-peek-sunday-may-5.html
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Sunday, April 28, 2013

Sneak Peek Sunday: April 28




Welcome back to another edition of Sneak Peek Sunday! This is a fun little weekly hop that you can get a chance to read snippets of authors' works. They are from published books, or works in progress. What I love is that there's a little something for everyone.

I've been playing Sneak Peek Sunday for awhile, and have been sharing snippets of my latest release, Baby Stetson. Today is no exception.


Here's the set up for today's peek. Lucas has come to town for reasons unknown to Avery, but she's very drawn to him and he feels the same way. Lucas has been doing his best to fight the attraction, but he can't help the way Avery has brought out feelings within him that he hasn't felt in a very long time.

He wants so badly to give in, and the demons within are messing with his mind.  So they are having a conversation about it Here's the sneak peek!



     “I know that, Avery.  Call it a sign of weakness.  You’re killing me here.  And I don’t know which way I want to go about it,” Lucas said, his voice strained. 

 Avery moved to his side in a second.  “I can help you decide, then,” she whispered. 

 Now or never.  She’d never been this bold.  But life was all about taking chances.  Right now, she wanted a chance with Lucas.  Even for a night.  No reason to worry about regrets.  That would come later.  She’d deal with the aftermath then.  But at this point, the lust took over.  Avery reached for Lucas, needing to touch his face.  His stubble scratched her hand, but she inched her lips closer to his anyway.  His lips parted, waiting for her. 

 “You don’t know what you’re doing, Avery.”  Lucas tried to protest, but she silenced him with her kiss.  “You and I, we-”  

 “Shut up and kiss me, you fool,” she muttered against his lips.  “I want to help you feel.” 

 I want to feel, too.  I want to feel you. 

There you have it! So what do you think?

 Please check out some of the other stops today! There are some great stories to be found!

 You can go here to see who else is participating!

Baby Stetson for Kindle

Baby Stetson for Nook

Baby Stetson for Kobo

Add Baby Stetson to your Goodreads list!


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Sunday, April 21, 2013

Sneak Peek Sunday April 21








Welcome to Sneak Peek Sunday! This is a fun little hop where readers can visit authors' blogs and read short snippets of various books. Some are works in progress, some are published.  Regardless there's pretty much something for everyone.

Today's Sneak Peek is another from my latest release, Baby Stetson. You may or may not remember, last week, things got interesting for Avery and Lucas when Avery impulsively answered  Lucas's phone. Let's just say Avery learns a few things about Lucas that she never expected.....

  Today's snippet fast forwards to later that evening. Lucas is sitting with Avery after he helps someone bring her drunk sister back to the house.  Lucas wants more than anything to make things right and so he tires to talk to Avery.  Of course, Avery is pretty weary about letting herself get lost in Lucas's touch again after what she found out, but she can't help her feelings. Here's the snippet!




“If I let you hold me, I-”  I lose control.  I want you all over again.  I abandon all of my senses and have so many dangerous thoughts when it comes to you. 
“Talk to me, Avery.”  Lucas prodded gently, pulling her to him.  Avery gave in, resting her head against his chest.  His arms closed around her, providing a cocoon.  How is it she felt so good right then, when just before she couldn’t decide how she felt?  He ran his hand up and down her back in soft, tender motions.  Avery shuddered, and a snake of chills traveled down her spine.


“Avery, what you said awhile ago.  You’re right.  Why should you trust me?  I’m a jerk, okay?  I admit that.  But you make me want to make everything right.  Before you, if I lost someone’s trust, I wouldn’t care.  People lose my trust all the time, and I’ve leaned not to trust in return.  So I can’t expect you to.  But you’re different.  I care way too much what you think, what you feel.”


Avery stayed silent, letting the words sink in.  He sounded sincere enough.


“Avery.  Look at me for a minute,” Lucas pleaded.


She complied, staring up at his face.  The emotion in his eyes made her heart beat faster.


And there you have it!

Please be sure to check some of the other great participants in Sneak Peek Sunday! You can find the links to their blogs here





Baby Stetson for Kindle

Baby Stetson for Nook

Baby Stetson for Kobo

Add Baby Stetson to your Goodreads list!


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Sunday, April 14, 2013

Sneak Peek Sunday April 14





Welcome back to Sneak Peek Sunday! This is a great and fun way to read snippets of authors' works! Some of them are going to be available right now, and some are absolute teases! LOL.  There's always something for everyone, so be sure to check out the link and maybe you'll find your next read!

So today, for my sneak peek...have you ever done something completely impulsive..maybe you're not fully coherent yet and make a rash decision even though you know you shouldn't do it?

Yeah, that's Avery's dilemma today. She and Lucas have just given into their attraction to the other, and the next morning, she's not quite thinking...and she may learn a few things about Lucas that could change things....





        Avery woke to the sound of a phone ringing.  She cracked an eyelid open.  Slivers of sunlight broke through the blinds from the window.  What time was it now?  Yawning, she reached for the phone.  Lucas lay sprawled across the bed, still asleep. 

 When she attempted to answer her phone and heard it still ring, reality struck.  It wasn’t her phone going off.  It must be Lucas’s.  It laid in plain sight on top of Lucas’s pants on the floor by the bed.  Avery squinted to see the caller ID, but the number was blocked.  The ringing and blocked number only made her more  curious and  before  she  could  think  things through, Avery reached for his phone and hit the answer button.  Then she freaked, not sure what to do.  She couldn’t even muster up the nerve to say hello, but the person on the other end of the phone started talking frantically.  It was a woman.  Not a young one.  She sounded older. 

 “Lucas, are you there?  Hello?  Look, I know you’re mad at me, but I wanted to explain things.  I know I’ve put you in a horrible position.  Come on, Lucas-” 

 Then the phone was snatched from her hands.  Avery gasped, startled.  She turned to face Lucas, who put the phone up to his ear and snapped, “I’ll call you back.”  After he ended the call and tossed the phone to the bed, he shot Avery an angry look.  His eyes narrowed, his lips set into a thin line.  Shit.  He was mad. 

 “I-.  I don’t know what came over me.  At first, I thought it was my phone.  Then I just, I wasn’t thinking.  I’m sorry, Lucas.” 

 The woman’s voice on the other end of that call echoed in Avery’s mind.  Who was she?  Why was Lucas mad at her?  Oh, she should have never done that.  Now it only confused Avery even more. 
And there you have it!  Thanks for stopping by to read my Sneak Peek Sunday snippet!

 Check out all the other great participants here





Baby Stetson for Kindle

Baby Stetson for Nook

Baby Stetson for Kobo

Add Baby Stetson to your Goodreads list!

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Sunday, April 7, 2013

Sneak Peek Sunday: April 7







Welcome back to Sneak Peek Sunday! This is the time where authors post snippets of their work, whether it be published or unpublished. There's always something for everyone, and you never know what great stories you'll stumble upon while looking through the various blogs.

Now, here on mine today, is another snippet of my contemporary romance, Baby Stetson.

Avery is nearly having a meltdown as she's about to meet someone for the very first time, and she'd having a hard time dealing with it. Lucas has been by her side and tries to help keep her calm. I hope you enjoy.





     The door opened. He poked his head in. “I
don’t mean to barge. I just- you don’t look like you’re
doing so well.” Lucas crossed into the entrance and
gathered her in his arms, stroking her hair. Avery
couldn’t help it. She let the tears fall. “Shh,” Lucas
soothed. “What is it, Avery?”
     Avery hiccuped. “It’s- It’s the house, the
waivers, the coldness. I just lost it, am losing it,
whatever.” She couldn’t even get out a full sentence.
Lucas held her, rocked her until she calmed down. He
didn’t say anything, didn’t need to. His touch, his embrace was enough.
     “I know. This is the kind of life I grew up with,
even in my adult life. You were and are, so very
lucky, Avery. You grew up surrounded by love.”
Lucas kissed her temple. “I know this can’t be easy
for you. Just take a deep breath. You’ll get through
this, because you are a strong woman. I’m right here
with you. Just breathe. There you go.” Lucas
attempted a smile as Avery did as he suggested.
Inhale, exhale, inhale. Her heartbeat went back to
normal and soon Avery was back to calm. Lucas
tipped her chin up. “Better?”
     Avery nodded. For the most part. She could
breathe again, but she wasn’t better. It would have to
do. “If you were me, what would you do?”
     “If I had the chance to ask my parents
anything, I would want to. I’d ask them why I wasn’t
enough, why they couldn’t get and stay sober to take
care of me. All my life, I wanted to mean something
to them. Instead, I rarely saw them. I had to fight
like hell to feel normal. I hated them, yet I loved
them. I know it must hurt, but at least you got a shot
at the life you ended up with.”
     He was right. So right.

So there you have it! That's today's Baby Stetson snippet.

 For the next few days, I have Baby Stetson discounted to $1.99. This is a 100k full length novel, and won't be this discounted for long.  Baby Stetson is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo...and print will be available soon! 


Now, there's a variety of other blogs participating in Sneak Peek Sunday, so I hope you get a chance to check them out...some intriguing snippets await! Click here to get a list of the participating blogs!

And here are my links to Baby Stetson:

 Baby Stetson for Kindle

Baby Stetson for Nook

Baby Stetson for Kobo

Add Baby Stetson to your Goodreads list!
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Monday, April 1, 2013

Contest!

Happy April everyone!

No fooling, I have a contest.

I need a bit of help.  Contrary to popular belief, I can be helped.  So, what is this contest and how can you help me, you ask?

I'm in need of title help.

My first two books have had fairly unique and original titles. Now, I know I can't do this with all of my books, because I do have a few titles in mind that have been used, but fit the story. Still, for Love and Music in Texas Book 2's case, I want something original and unique.

We've got The Secret Santa Wishing Well, and Baby Stetson as my already released books. Love each title, and they fit the story.

Book two features Jameson and Melody as the couple, and yes, readers get more of Lucas and Avery, and of course, more with the band Baby Stetson.  I don't have a blurb of course, as the book is only 7000 words in but I'll give you a bit of a run down.

Melody is a woman on the run. Trying to help a woman she met on the bus, they get off in Harmony's Echo, Texas.  But that's not far enough away for Melody, who has a lot to hide.  That's where she meets Jameson, and he helps her out as best he can, even though he doesn't know what she's running from.

Jameson is dealing with his own demons.  The one year anniversary of his father's death is coming up, and his mom isn't doing too well handling it. And even though he's happy for his best friend Avery, it's still hard for him to see her with someone else when for the longest time, his dreams revolved around making music and living a happy life with Avery, until one stupid mistake changed all that.

There will also be some things Avery and Lucas have to deal with, and it all ties together.

So, I need unique title help! What do you get out of it? Well, of course, the fact that you're helping an author out.

If your title is chosen, you'll win a $25 gift card to the book retailer of your choice, you'll be acknowledged, and when Love and Music in Texas Book 2 comes out, you get an autographed copy.  You can make your suggestions in the comments section, and yes, you can make more than one.



I can't wait to see your suggestions. Ready, set, start naming!

-Nikki Lynn Barrett
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