New Reviews Are Here!

I've been working hard to promote Time for Tenderness and am even participating in a blog tour to get more reviews (which I hope to in turn use for more promoting as well as being a good way to increase visibility). Those reviews are starting to come in! Here are three I've gotten in the past couple of days. I'm very happy and humbled by the responses.

5-STAR Review by Destiny Rose Book Reviews (8/26/2014):

When a Man Loves a Woman he gives his Heart. This is a well-written contemporary romance that defines the places inside the heart that grow through love, that heal with forgiveness, and become stronger with compassion. The past tore Val and Tony apart. Pride got in the way. But he is the father to her daughter and Val needs him. Eventually, they learn to embrace the good and move forward together in life.

The hopes for happiness that Tony and Val have are put to the test. Mistakes happen and life sends them difficult trials to overcome. The difficult past and family troubles always seem to haunt Val. It’s hard for her to let Tony inside her private feelings, to trust him with her doubts about herself.

But she is strong and Tony has a good heart.

This is more than a story about romantic love. It is about family, of letting go of past hurts and hard words, and rising above hardship to become a better person. The other characters in this story reveal much about the harsh reality and destructive drama that played out in Val’s life.

She is lucky to have Tony. He loves her completely and is devoted to making their family work.

4-STAR Review by Library Mosaic (8/26/2014)

I enjoyed this book and thought it deals with an interesting and important theme.

The characters in Time for Tenderness are very well-written and came across as realistic. Val has a few issues and insecurities but she still manages to be strong and determined when she needs to.

Tony is great as well. He’s patient and loving and great for Val.

Plotwise, Time for Tenderness develops nicely and, as I said, deals with interesting topics as Val’s attempts to overcome her past and reconnect with her family. I think the author did a great job with these characters and story.

The book is well written and interesting and I think fans of contemporary fiction will definitely be able to enjoy this book.

Rating: Worth Your Time (4 Stars)



4-STAR Review by C.J. Mackenzie (8/25/2014)

I really liked the characters in this book, especially Tony. He was great, affectionate and, most of the time, able to understand Val. He makes a few mistakes as well, of course, but I still think he was great and brought out the best in Val.

Val is a good character as well. Despite her past, she’s strong. She doubts herself sometimes but I think that’s only normal given her story.

Val has a lot to deal with and this book is all about her struggles to let Tony in and learn how to deal with her past and her family.

I enjoyed this book a lot. It is very well-written and deals with an interesting topic.
If you enjoy a realistic, contemporary romance you might enjoy this book.

Excited About My Book Club

I started a closed book club on Facebook for my friends in the Columbus, OH area.  We're going to read, review, and have fun.  Most of this will be done online - just log on and participate in the questions I've posted on our discussion day.  Every once in a while, we'll get together for a social event.  Hmm - should we have a pot luck in honor of Jake's diner in our first book, Detour?

Go to Facebook, send me a friend request and a message asking to join the club, and start participating.

We're having our first discussion today on the opening third of the book, Detour.  I picked it because it was an inexpensive way to get us started.  However, from this point forward, we'll be taking suggestions and deciding the books.  Not all of them will be mine.

Hope to see you in the club!

Another 5-Star Review for Detour

A professional editor read my book and said it was amazing. Here is some of what she wrote on Amazon: "This was one of the most beautifully written stories I've read in a long time. She showed a true sensitivity of soul so needed by an author. The author slowly drew me in and made me fall for the characters, the small town with its homey feel and even helped me understand why Jess's family did what they did. If you love a well-written story full of emotion that leaves you with a smile and a satisfied sigh, this one's for you."

I thought you might want another taste of the book.

I watched her go over to the booth where the elderly couple had sat and join the conversation Jake was having. Then, I turned my attention to the laminated menu that had Wednesday across the top. No French toast. But the apple fritters with sausage patties and two eggs were tempting.

“That’s a good choice,” Jake said, standing beside me and noticing where my finger was on the menu.

“I have the feeling everything here is a good choice.” I couldn’t help but smile at the double entendre. I was very aware of how close he was and how he was looking at me. His expression was different from yesterday; it was probably more like it must have been last night when he was holding me. Something was definitely happening between us. “That’s what I’ll have.” I handed him the menu. He took it but did not move away.

“Did you sleep well?” he wanted to know.

“Definitely. Between the dancing and the beer, I was very relaxed. What about you?”

“I slept alright, except it was a little hot last night.”

Okay – I’m not stupid. That smile and those eyes said he was NOT talking about the weather. I made some comment about turning the air conditioning down in my motel room. He laughed quietly and walked away.

Hmm. Were we really flirting? Wasn’t that just a continuation of last night? I should eat my breakfast, check out of my room, and get back on the road. There was nothing to stop me from checking into the hotel in Indianapolis a day early. I should be doing what I was supposed to be doing – finding a business to buy. I shouldn’t stay to find out his life story and follow up on this attraction.

Looking into the Future

I've only been a published author for a few months, so it's imperative that I keep reminding myself to be patient.  People who like to read what I like to write WILL find me eventually.  Hey - I've got three books out there.  Don't get me wrong - sales have been pretty steady.  I just wish (as do most authors) that they could be a little higher.  What I also believe is that I'm a decent writer and time will bring the results I want.

So, I'm not dwelling on the current books.  While I am still promoting them, I'm moving forward with the next project.  Let's look into the future with Premonitions.

Premonitions is about a woman who has dreams that peek into the life of the man she falls in love with.  I'm not talking about science fiction.  This woman is having vivid dreams that unfold days or weeks later almost exactly like she saw them in her sleep.  She also has those deja vu moments when it seems like she just experienced something that she'd seen or done before.  Those "gifts" give her knowledge about her man's dangerous, secret world and put her in a position of needing to protect him the same way he is trying to shield her from what he really does. There are a couple of twists and (hopefully) a decent amount of suspense.

This book is scheduled to be released in late November, but I'm a little antsy.  So, this is the cover art I'm going to use.  Let me know what you think.  More teasers will be coming in the next few weeks.

Free Promotion for Detour

I decided to make Detour FREE as an e-book on Aug 9th and 10th.  In less than 24 hours, it climbed to #459!!  I can't believe we are in the top 500 for free Kindle books.  Wow!  And there's still another full day to go.

What I'm Doing

Isn't life always hectic when you think it needs to slow down?  I never realized how much work goes into the business side of being a self-published author.  While I love the support and feedback, at times the grind is overwhelming.  Yet, I'm overjoyed to be in this position!  It's never a nightmare and always a dream come true.

I undeniably have much to learn.  Facebook groups have been faithful to provide support as I stumble blindly towards my goal of writing a best seller (yeah - someday).  Their members answer questions, provide direction, and provide places for me to promote my work.  Honestly, a few real friendships have been formed with other authors (indie and traditionally published) who look out for me.  They tell me what they think about my book - yes HONEST feedback - and that my cover art is in need of resuscitation.  They provide information on affordable artwork sites, promotion services, and websites who will feature my book and post author interviews for FREE.  (Ahh I love that word.)  All of the hand-holding has kept me positive and pushing forward.

So, what have I been doing?  Promoting.  Promoting.  Promoting.  Researching.  Reading.  Surfing the internet for stock artwork. Keeping my fingers crossed that the books will keep selling.  And working through ideas for the current work-in-progress.  This is my job now, and I'm trying to be dedicated to it.

I'm additionally thankful every day for the support of my daughters, and their understanding when I eat and breathe this writing experience.  Yes, I've noticed your activities and am incredibly proud of your recent accomplishments.  Yes, I enjoy still cherish every moment we spend watching a movie or cooking dinner together.  Yes, you are still the most important people in my world.  Without you, I might not have had the courage to pursue this dream or the focus to walk this path of continued discovery.

Mostly, what I'm doing is enjoying this facet of my life.  It's really demanding but also really, really good.  Above all, I'm feeling incredibly blessed.

Another Taste of Time for Tenderness

Tony crossed the room and sat on the ottoman directly in front of her.  He leaned forward and clasped her hands in his.  Hers were trembling.  For a moment, he just sat there, watching the light rise and fall of her breasts as she refused to look at him.  Her scent was intoxicating and an all-too-familiar neediness spread through him.  It made him sick to know that she was still having such a difficult response to him.  Didn’t she know that this relationship she insisted upon was driving him insane with loneliness and longing?  Hadn’t he done all he could over the years to prove his devotion to her?  He leaned forward and kissed her gently on the forehead.  On the cheek.  On the side of her throat where that pulse was beating wildly.  He heard a small sigh escape her as his lips traveled lower, to her collarbone, and then brushed against a thin chain she was wearing beneath her tee shirt.

Suddenly, Val jerked away from him, her eyes wide with panic, her arms guardedly hugging her stomach.

“Val?”  Her body was trembling slightly.  Why?  What the hell was wrong?  Tony stared at her as his mind raced over those past few minutes trying to figure out what he had done.

“Tony, please leave,” came out as little more than a whisper, a desperate plea.

And then he figured it out.  He reached over and pulled the chain from beneath her top.  A filigree ring dangled from it, the pinkie ring he had bought in memory of their first Valentine’s Day.  The swirling heart design was unmistakable.  He tilted her chin up, forcing her to look at him.  He wanted her to see the confusion that was wracking his thoughts. 

“You don’t wear it where anyone can see it, but you haven’t broken your promise, have you?” he asked bitterly.  No answer.  “Have you?” he demanded.

“No,” she admitted faintly.  “I haven’t broken my promise.”  She closed her eyes for a moment to keep the tears of fear and humiliation from spilling over.  Outside of moving it from her hand to this chain, or removing it on rare occasions, wearing his ring was a promise she had made and kept; and her loyalty betrayed her.

 “Then why have you forced us to be apart?  You treat me like you don’t even want to be in the same room with me; and yet, you still wear my ring?  I don’t understand, Val.”  His confusion was fading and Tony was angry.  He was hurt.  He stood and stepped away from the hassock to keep from grabbing her shoulders and shaking some sense into the situation. 

“I don’t want to do this right now.”

“Alright,” he conceded.  “When?”  Valerie just shook her head and closed her eyes, blocking out the sight of his eyes expressing a myriad of feelings she did not want to see.  She could feel him staring at her and sense the depth of his frustration.  A few minutes later, she heard the soft click of the front door closing and sighed in relief.

The living room was decorated in soothing tones of blues and purples and magentas with large-leafed tropical plants in front of the picture window.  The sun shone into that room for most of the afternoon, making it a calming space.  But as soon as Tony left, it felt icy and empty.  Likewise, coldness crept into the pit of Valerie’s stomach and she couldn’t stop herself from shivering. 

A showdown was coming – soon.  One she had been avoiding for three years.  Well, Tony had finally found ammunition to force her hand.  He’d left tonight, but that meant nothing.   It was clear she had run out of time.  

Temporary Price Reduction!!

For a short time, I've reduced the price of Time for Tenderness down to $1.99 - just because I'm happy about the amount of support that has been shown to my creative projects.  Make sure you catch this deal while it lasts!  Thanks everyone.  I love y'all!!

Break Time

With my latest two novels available, now is the perfect time to catch up on reading some of the 12 pages of new books downloaded to my Kindle.  Many of them are "FREE" deals I grabbed while I could and that I might not even read.  Still, it'll be fun sorting through them and taking my mind off my own projects for a while.

Of course, the break won't be long -- probably a couple of weeks -- because I have another novel in the works that will be released late this fall.  It's a romantic suspense with a paranormal twist.  In the meantime, I hope you'll enjoy the relationships between Valerie and Tony, Monica and Patrick, and Jessica and Jake.

Take care,
Brynette

IT'S ALMOST PARTY TIME!!

Don't forget to log on tonight (5-9 est) for my virtual Book Release Party on Facebook!  Enjoy contests, trivia, and giveaways for "Time for Tenderness" and "Monica's Healing" - and also have a chance to get to know me.  I'm very excited to meet each of you and celebrate this accomplishment together.  See you tonight!
https://www.facebook.com/events/1486865901550178/

THEY ARE HERE EARLY!!!

Both "Time for Tenderness" and "Monica's Healing" are available on Amazon.com in e-book and print formats.  The release party isn't for another four days - so some of you might have a chance to read about Valerie and Tony before the big event!  Wow - I'm soooooo excited.

Visit with Valerie

Tony had tried not to be too obvious, but he was having a hard time being interested in anything other than her shy smile and easy, quiet laughter.  He was amazed at how that part of her contrasted sharply with the ability to look a person in the eye and clearly speak her mind.  She was down to earth, equally as comfortable playing water volleyball with her black hair pulled into a ponytail on the top of her head, or arguing over current world events.  And she was like a goddess with golden brown skin, soft plump lips, large brown eyes that sparkled in the sunlight, a face that radiated warmth, a slim body with firm round breasts and slightly full hips, and the shapeliest long legs he’d ever seen.  He later learned that she was only five-foot-five; those legs made her seem taller.   

After that party, when he’d walked her to her car and asked if he could take her out to dinner, she had simply looked into his eyes and laughed softly, seductively – as if she had anticipated the question and was already two steps ahead of him.  His heart had actually stopped and he’d had to remind himself to breathe.  He was hooked; and they had not dated anyone else since then.

A Minute with Monica

Monica had always projected a cold façade and quick temper; and at first Patrick wasn’t sure he wanted to be involved with someone who had as many issues as she apparently had.  Long before she had ever noticed him, he had observed all of her routines.  She’d shot down brothers at school so quickly and icily they hadn’t even realized they’d been hit until she was well on her way.  Several months of watching her in action around campus convinced him that she protected herself by not letting other people get close to her personal life, by quickly discouraging any man who thought of her as sensuous and intriguing, by being stubborn in a way that was designed to drive away all intruders.  He, however, knew how to charm himself back into her good graces, how to sidestep her when she was pushing for a fight, how to let her win when arguing over nothing important.

For Patrick, Monica held an energetic beauty that drew him and held him captive.  And she was gorgeous in her determined spirit that matched the physical attractiveness of her dark chocolate skin, exotic eyes, and athletic figure.   

A Piece of Patrick

Here's a short excerpt from "Monica's Healing".  Enjoy!

“Tell me what your family said to make you hate yourself so much that you can’t accept anyone else loving you?”  Silence.  “That’s what’s been standing between us from the moment we met.  Tell me what happened.”  She shook her head and backed away, stopping in front of the staircase.  “You have to get beyond it, Monica.  Talk to me, please.”

She hung her head and sighed.  Why was he pushing her? 

“Alright,” Patrick relented.  He wanted to wrap her in his arms and kiss away her fears, but he knew how she would respond.  Instead, he walked over to the sofa and made himself comfortable.  “I’m not leaving,” he announced.  He had realized that the state of mind Mr. Weston was concerned about had much less to do with his wife’s death than with the life she had inflicted on Monica – and he could not help until she told him the cause of her pain.

Monica stared at him, panic-stricken.  “You can’t stay here all night!”

“I’ll leave when you talk to me, not before.”

“Patrick, get out of my house!”

“No.  I’m not leaving you.”  Did she truly understand what those words meant?

“Patrick, you have to leave!  I can’t have people thinking you spent the night.”

“Then talk to me, Monica.  Tell me what I need to know in order to help us.”  He crossed his arms and studied her carefully.  Silence and that stubborn tilt of her chin.  What had he just missed about her change in demeanor?  Why had panic turned to defiance?  He blinked.  Suddenly, he felt sorry for Monica and silently prayed that he was doing the right thing.

A Taste of Tony

Here's a short excerpt from "Time for Tenderness".  I hope you enjoy it!

Tony wasn’t going to give Val any opportunity to doubt that he really intended to make the relationship last this time.  They spoke every day, sometimes hanging on the phone not really talking about much. 

“What are you thinking?” he’d softly demanded one night when the silence between them had grown exceptionally long.

“Umm, I’d rather not say,” she laughed in response.  Not much imagination was needed to guess how he might react to what was distracting her.  Would he remember a specific weekend they’d spent making love at a riverfront hotel and then sitting naked beneath a blanket watching the winter sunrise, and afterwards making tender love in front of a blazing fire?  He had given her so many memories like that one.  Would he want to recreate those moments?  She did.

“Do you want to know what I was thinking?”  Silence.  He laughed loudly.  “What’s the matter, Ms. Val – scared of what you might hear?”

“Maybe.”

“Hmm.”  How could he make a sigh sound so sexy?  “Then we’d better say goodnight,” he joked.

“Alright,” she countered.

“Val?”

“Yes?”

“How long are we going to tiptoe around this subject?”

“What do you mean?”  Did she really need him to spell it out?  No. 

When Tony responded, Val could tell he was smiling.  “I mean – what’s a brother gotta do to get with his woman?”  Their combined laughter drew them closer.  “Can I come over, Val?”  The intensity of raw emotions in his voice caught her by surprise.  Her body tingled in response.

My Characters are an Open Book

Valerie: grew up in a struggling family, worked her way through college with a job and scholarships, had a baby right after graduation but initially refused to marry the father, is employed as a financial analyst and currently living the middle class dream.

Tony: grew up in middle-class comfort, works as an engineer, has loved Val from the moment he saw her, and nothing is more important to him than his family.

Monica: Valerie's younger sister, has spent her whole life staying focused and ambitious, has no time for nonsense, and is finally happy pursuing her educational dream and life with Patrick.

Patrick: moved from the roughness of the urban jungle to accomplishing his goal of working in healthcare, is artistically talented, is unquestionably devoted, and values nothing and no one more than he does Monica.

Join them.  Learn them.  Love them.  The stories of these lives will be released on July 15th.  Meet Val and Tony in "Time for Tenderness" and follow Monica and Patrick in "Monica's Healing".

Hint for Healing

In "Monica's Healing" the Weston family has endured dishonesty, rejection, and humiliation; but no one seems to have been as emotionally wrecked as Monica.  She is damaged, hurting, and alone -- for the time being.

Patrick wants to change that.  He's spent the last two years trying to convince Monica that what they share is special; and she has been running from him the entire time.  Now, as she is struggling to build a new life after her mother's death, she hopes that his love is as strong as he says.

While Monica and Patrick try to cope with their changing world, old hurts, stubborn habits, and family drama threaten to destroy everything they are creating.

Getting Ready to Party with Valerie, Tony, Monica, and Patrick

I can hardly believe that my Book Release Party on Facebook is only a couple of weeks away!  I've been busy (with the help of some AWESOME ladies) planning trivia and contests, deciding what pictures to use, and working on my playlist.  In addition to the online party, a few friends are coming to the house and we're going to participate together.  It's an exciting time.

"Time for Tenderness" and "Monica's Healing" have been projects for years; so, it's with great joy that I prepare to celebrate finally releasing those works to the world.  Join us on July 15th from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. because we are definitely going to have fun.

Hint: Keep checking back for teasers and excerpts that might help you win a prize or two.

Sincerely,
Brynette

Here's A Tender Teaser

In "Time for Tenderness" -- Valerie loves Tony; but she has spent the past three years pretending otherwise because she had serious doubts that their love could survive all of her flaws and fears.  Regardless, Tony knows that Val is the only woman who could ever make him happy.  When she agrees to marry him, she believes they can build a life for their young daughter that is better than how Val was raised and more realistic than what Tony has always expected.  She trusts him to accept her and to always be her partner.

Unfortunately, the drama and destructiveness from her past inserts itself into their world in a way that Tony can't accept.  No matter how hard she tries, Valerie can't shake the fear that maybe love does not conquer all; and the couple must discover whether they are really able to survive through anything.

EXCERPT FROM "TIME FOR TENDERNESS" (release date July 15, 2014)

Val sensed his presence although she hadn’t heard him approach.  Maybe she had detected the familiar scent of his cologne.  Still, she was not ready for the discussion he wanted to have.  Closing her eyes and holding on to the railing, she enjoyed the few remaining moments of calmness.   

Tony’s hair was still damp and he had dressed in dark jeans and a navy shirt.  He stood at the sliding glass door watching her, thinking as always that this woman was exquisite.  He was in love with everything about her.  

When he realized she was stubbornly not going to acknowledge his presence, Tony stepped on to the balcony and stood beside her.  His fingers unsnapped the ponytail clip so her hair hung freely.  Then he wound fingers through her hair and lifted it aside so he could kiss her neck.  Both her hair and skin were so wonderfully and familiarly soft.  She stiffened and continued to look out at the water.

He stopped kissing her and walked away in frustration.  When he spoke, she tried to ignore the anguish in his voice.  “What’s wrong with me wanting you, Val?  You know I love you.”  Did he really expect an answer?

She took another deep breath and determined it was time to get the discussion over with.  She couldn’t think straight around him and was afraid he knew it.  Val continued to stare out towards the water as she spoke the words she had rehearsed in her mind.  “What am I supposed to say that hasn’t already been said?  Obviously, we will always be connected because we have a child.  But that’s not enough to build a future on.” 

When Tony didn’t respond, she turned to see where he was.  The angle of the sun kept her from being able to see the expression on his face but he stood just inside the doorway.  She was suddenly feeling trapped on the small balcony. 

He said, “Let’s talk about what wasn’t said three years ago.” 

“What do you mean?” 

“Do you love me, Val?  We’ve been part of each other’s lives for a long time; yet, those were words you carefully avoided,” he explained.  “I’ll admit you’ve made it easy for me to be with Sherry.  And I’ve always been grateful about that.  But now I need you to say how you feel about me.”  Valerie forced herself to swallow the anxiety that was fluttering in her throat.  She didn’t want to answer that question.  Could she deflect the focus of his inquiry? 

“Our relationship is over, Tony.  Why can’t you let go?  Is all of this some ego trip because you want to know that you were special?  Will you accept it if I admit you were?” 

“Ego trip?”  He stepped on to the balcony, his eyes clouded with intense emotion.  “This is the same brother that begged you to be my wife.  For three years, I’ve put my pride aside and let you run the show.  This is no damn ego trip, and you know it!”

“Tony –”

“Stop, Val.”  He reached over to expose the ring still hanging around her neck and gave a mocking smile.  “I’ll get on with my life as soon as you do the same.”   

Valerie felt defeated and wanted to wipe that smugness off his handsome, caramel-colored face.  “Tony, why are you making this so difficult for me?”

“Because we made a mistake, and it needs to be corrected.” Tenderness laced every word.

“No; we made the right choice.”

“Val, you made that choice.  I went along with it because I loved you and our unborn child too much to keep fighting about it, but mostly because I didn’t want to lose you and I was afraid that you would completely shut me out.”  He shook his head.  When he spoke again, all the years of anguish and isolation he’d felt surfaced in his voice and in those light brown eyes.  “I was wrong, Val.  I should have argued with you; should have made you understand how much I loved you and wanted a life with you.

“Well, now I’m asking you to consider more than just what you want.  I’m miserable without you; and I always have been.  I live for the weekends so I can see you and spend time with our child.  Sherry belongs with both of us, and we all deserve better than weekend visitation.”  He sighed.  “It’s not enough, Val.  I need my daughter, but I also need you.  We ought to be a family.”

“I can’t believe we’re having this conversation.  Tony, there isn’t anything to say that hasn’t been said; and I don’t have time for a journey down memory lane.”  She tried to push past him but Tony reached for her hand and held on to it.  He felt the slight tremble of her fingers.

“Don’t,” he said firmly, stepping closer.  “I know you too well, Val; I’m not buying your act.  So drop it.”   His eyes looked deep into hers.  “I don’t want to fight with you, but if that’s what it takes to make you stop running away from this discussion, then get ready for a fight.  We are going to finish this.  Today.”