Spring Sale- #Free #Romance

It’s spring and I’m getting that shopping itch, are you?

I’ve also been doing a lot of reading and not so much writing- oops!

Here’s a couple of free books I put on sale for the weekend in case you’re looking for some deals 🙂

Hold ‘Em

In the game of love all bets are off

When professional poker player Matthew Shaughnessy wins the pot of a lifetime, he didn’t expect to land himself a fiancée.

Cassandra Gardener is left with little choice but to play the part of a Texan’s fiancée for a week if she wants to clear her father’s gambling debt.

Will two people with so much to lose win the biggest bet of all- love?

International Link: http://books2read.com/HoldEm

Add to your TBR List: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34682965-hold-em

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/hold-em-gambling-hearts-1-by-jacquie-biggar

Excerpt

“Is this you?” Cassandra asked, holding up a picture of him in a black and white tux, his then girlfriend, Candy, perched on his arm in a bright yellow ball gown.

“Prom,” he answered, amazed he’d ever looked that young.

She ran a finger down the glass and his body responded as though she’d physically touched him. He cursed under his breath. The last damn thing he needed was to be attracted to a woman who detested the ground he walked on. Never mind the fact she was engaged to be married—and it wasn’t to him.

He shoved away from the wall and stalked across the spacious room to his desk where his overnight bag had been left by one of the staff. He unzipped the side compartment and pulled out the distinctive blue box.

“Put this on.” He tossed the container at her and had to admit he was impressed with her swift catch.

She eyed it warily, then slowly slid the lid off to reveal the midnight blue velvet box within. “Is this what I think it is?”

There she went with that finger again, rubbing the box like it was a gene’s lamp. Matt stared. Goosebumps chased up his spine and whispered in his ear that he was in a boatload of trouble. Yeah, he had that part figured out.

“You need a ring,” he said, shifting to ease the sudden pressure behind his zipper. “Grannie will expect you to have one. You can keep it when we part ways—consider it a bonus.” God, he could be such a dick sometimes.

She sent him a glance that cut to the bone, then carefully pulled the box out of its wrappings and opened the lid as though she thought it might explode in her hand. The flash of surprise she quickly hid tugged at his heart. She liked it.

“Where’s my ring?” she asked, sliding the pretty solitaire onto her finger.

He was happy to see it fit. “You mean my ring, don’t you?”

She snapped the jewelry box closed and he winced.

“It’s in a safe place. You live up to your end of the bargain, princess, and I’ll live up to mine.”

Cass waved her hand in the air, and the new ring glinted under the lights. “I’m here, aren’t I? Let’s just try to get through this week without killing each other.” She flopped onto the side of his bed and bounced a couple of times. “Where are you going to sleep?”

Matt hid a grin. If this weren’t so serious, and she wasn’t holding all the cards, he’d be hard-pressed not to like this girl.

“Well, darlin’, that’s where it gets interesting.”

The Lady Said No

And Now on Audio Book!- http://a.co/23uX6b8

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And check out my other #audiobooks here: https://www.audible.com/author/Jacquie-Biggar/B00MSIJQBG

The Race is on to find a Killer in the heart of Kentucky horse country

Detective Augustus Grant is faced with his most baffling case to date. Well-respected race horse breeder, John Jorgenson, is murdered in his den days before the Kentucky Derby and the list of suspects is growing.

Complicating matters, Gus’ ex-girlfriend is the last person to have seen the victim alive.

Rebecca Hayes owes the Jorgenson family her loyalty. They gave her a new life after a disastrous affair leaves her alone and pregnant.

With all the evidence pointing in Becky’s direction, will Gus do his duty?

Or follow his heart?

International link: http://books2read.com/The-LadySaidNo

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41560041-the-lady-said-no

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/the-lady-said-no-augustus-grant-mysteries-by-jacquie-biggar

Excerpt

Gus finished the soup and thanked the young cook before making his way into the main part of the house. Fine hardwood floors and the dark wainscoting lined the walls. Everything was polished to within an inch of its life and glistened from top to bottom. How could anyone feel comfortable in a place like this? Bet the Jorgensons never kicked their feet up onto the coffee table to relax, or left their rooms in robes in search of a midnight snack. This was the type of house that demanded decorum.

As if to prove his verdict, a man came into view at the end of the hall. He was directing the coroner, Nancy Huggins, to a room with a police guard, disapproval radiating from his immaculate frame. He wore a suit nicer than Gus’ funeral attire, all three pieces starched and pressed to perfection. A wrinkle wouldn’t dare latch itself to those clothes.

Gus looked down at his own rumpled shirt and skewed tie and shrugged.

Nancy caught his eye and raised her brow. “Augustus. What brings you to the back of beyond?”

The manservant turned, and a chill crawled down Gus’ back. The guy had the deadest, black eyes he’d ever seen.

“I’m…ah, here to investigate the Jorgenson case. The Brass called and requested me for this one.”

“Hmm, must be important then. I heard you received a medal from the President.”

Gus squirmed.

He hadn’t done anything to deserve a medal. It was pure luck that he figured out the plot to kidnap the President’s daughter, and was able to catch the perps before they got away with the deed.

“Why were you in the back of the house, sir? That area is reserved for the servants.” The manservant folded his arms and waited for an answer. Gus felt like a misbehaving child all over again.

“I, ah… came in from the pool, after talking to Mrs. Jorgenson. She gave me permission to question the staff as I see fit.” He met the man’s coal dark gaze. “And you are?”

Gus didn’t think it was possible for the broom handle to climb any further up the man’s butt.

“That’s Ernest. He takes a while to warm up to strangers,” a lilting voice drifted down from the upper reaches of the home.

Gus froze. His heart battered the walls of his chest. There was a ringing in his ears. The chicken soup threatened to revolt.

“Hello, Augustus.”

Happy Reading!

April 16, 2020

Jacquie Biggar13 Comments

Ways to Inspire Your Writing #WritingTips #WritingCommunity

Ways I’ve found to inspire my writing

I often get asked where I go for inspiration. There are literally a million different storylines out there- you just have to be open to ideas.

The other night, on America’s Got Talent there was a trapeze act where the woman flipped in mid-air over a fiery pit of spikes. It made me wonder what her backstory was; why would she risk her life for a moment’s glory that way?

I follow a couple of amazing photographer blogs; Tofino Photography and Steve McCurry. Both of these men delve deep into the souls of their subjects. They fill me with awe and endless ideas for stories.

Another way that I get story ideas is from news clips. Whether you write murder mysteries, romance, paranormal, or true life there’s a story waiting to be told. Here’s an interesting story from my home province:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/possible-meteor-alberta-1.5457429

Many know my obsession with covers. I truly believe a great cover can lead to sales and the trickle effect of having your book noticed and talked about, but that’s not all. As a writer, if you decide on a cover prior to starting the book it can serve as inspiration for the story.

This is true for my contemporary romance, Valentine: A Hearts and Kisses Romance

Free from Feb 12-16

When I came across this cover, I immediately saw a rom-com and couldn’t resist snatching it up!

Blurb:

Take two humans who pretend they can’t stand each other and one matchmaking canine and the fun is nonstop!

Val Hodgins is on the road to success. His architect firm handles some of the biggest contracts along the western seaboard. He doesn’t have time to babysit his aunt’s aging house or her pain in the butt dog, but when she falls ill with pneumonia he drops everything to go to her aid.

Sierra Johnson’s dreams of owning a catering company go up in smoke thanks to a bad choice in boyfriends. Now, she’s stuck working for a tyrannical boss, care-taking an aging townhouse, and being tormented by the owner’s aggravating, caustic, way-too-attractive nephew.

Will these two get over their prejudices in time to realize love comes without a price tag?

Excerpt:

Val opened the door to the brownstone and ushered Norma Jean inside. What a fiasco. He was just glad it was over.

“Thanks for accepting my apologetic dinner. My aunt’s dog isn’t usually so…”

“Cute?” she supplied, smiling as he helped her remove her wet coat. Of course, it had to be pouring when they left the restaurant.

“Troublesome,” he corrected. Though really, he’d only been living here a week, so what did he know?

“It’s strange I never saw him here before your aunt became ill.” A horrified look crossed her pretty face. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to bring up bad memories.”

He shrugged, uncomfortable. She couldn’t, he barely knew his great-aunt. “It’s fine, we aren’t that close.” He hung her jacket by the door. “Maybe next time we go out we can avoid setting off the fire alarms.”

He’d meant it as a joke, but when he turned and caught the hopeful expression in her sky-blue eyes he cursed his loose lips.

“That sounds amazing,” she sighed, then glanced down the hall. “Something smells good.”

Oh, hell. He’d left his roast slow-cooking while he took her out, but he hadn’t planned on the delay with the water sprinklers and the firemen who wanted to know what happened. He’d be lucky if it wasn’t beef jerky by now.

“Thanks,” he said. “I’m stocking the freezer for those days when I don’t want to cook after work. Do you want to join me for coffee and a sandwich?” he offered reluctantly.

She gazed longingly down the hall, but shook her head. “Maybe next time. I need to study, mid-terms are coming up soon.”

He sighed his relief. She was nice, and would make a great friend, but he wasn’t interested in anything else. He’d been burned by women enough to last a lifetime. He’d give love a pass.

“Okay, well… have a nice night,” he ventured, waiting for her to go up the stairs to her room.

She laughed softly and leaned close to brush his cheek with her cherry red lips. “Don’t try so hard,” she murmured, before sashaying away on the stilts she wore for shoes.

Val rubbed his jaw and strode down the hall. Maybe they could just be friends.

He entered the kitchen expecting smoke, and instead found himself staring at the shapely bottom of a woman bent over his oven basting his roast while the mutt who’d ruined his day sat nearby, a sloppy grin on its narrow face.

Now what?

Your turn; what inspires you to write?

Don’t forget, Valentine is FREE until Feb 16th!

February 12, 2020February 11, 2020

Jacquie Biggar22 Comments

Chances Are by @TraciWCarlise #SportsRomance #amreading

It took a 15-second play to bring his career to a halt for the season.
It only took one second for her to bring his heart to a stop.

A bone shattering hit sidelines Antoni Cahill from his top spot as the Scranton Sparrows top-rated kicker, but he is dealt a crushing blow with the news of his grandfather’s passing. To keep his grandmother happy Tony helps her relocate to her childhood town of Chance, VA. His growing suspicion of her true physical health causes him to seek out a nurse/companion for her while he’s away. The woman standing on their doorstep may be exactly what the doctor ordered for his grandmother, but she takes his breath away.

For Meagan Rowe, Sweet Grove has been a place of refuge after the death of her twin brother. For years her decision to become a nurse practitioner was the only one that made sense, both to her heart and the financial preservation of her family. Her budding career and most recent client brings her face-to-face with the extremely handsome yet adorably awkward football star.

It could be a match made in heaven if she wasn’t forced to keep his grandmother’s true health a secret or if his foundation hadn’t failed to help her family in their most desperate time of need.

FREE for a Limited Time!

Biography

Traci Wooden-Carlisle began writing poetry and short stories as soon as she was able to form words on paper. She used that as a way of creating worlds, as well as, to communicate with God. A native of Los Angeles, California, she grew up attending United Methodist Church under the leadership of a pastor whose heart was for youth. Once she finished college she found herself at a loss. She felt caught in the transition between childhood and adulthood. She surrounded herself with saints and volunteered her services as a graphic artist. Through the early-morning prayer, all night Friday prayer and 3-day shut-ins she started on her journey toward her most desired gift, an intimate relationship with God.
Today, Mrs. Wooden-Carlisle lives in San Diego with her husband, Mr. Carlisle. She teaches fitness classes, runs a jewelry and craft business, and is currently writing the next installment in her Christian-fiction series.

July 20, 2019July 19, 2019

Jacquie Biggar9 Comments

#FreebieFriday Canada Day Edition #SummerReading

I can’t believe we’re heading into July already!

Is it just me, or does time move faster the older we get?

This week, I’m pleased to share a fun, heartwarming romance between two hot-headed personalities- you just know sparks are going to fly!

Crazy Little Thing Called Love

Gambling Hearts- Book 2

USA Today Bestselling Author Jacquie Biggar

Take two stubborn fools, mix a touch of fate, stir in some desire, and you have the recipe for a Crazy Little Thing Called Love.

Sophia Shaughnessy left her beloved home in order to prove once and for all she was more than a pretty face to her family and ex-boyfriend, Tony. But, it backfired. When her grandmother needed her most, she wasn’t there.

Tony Morrison had been in love with the youngest Shaughnessy for almost as long as he’d been employed at her family’s ranch. Trouble was, he had secrets. Things he couldn’t tell anyone, especially the beautiful Sophia. So, he’d let her go.

But now she’d returned, bringing the winds of change to the Texas ranch, and Tony wasn’t sure he could protect her from the fallout.

Free Today!- https://amzn.to/2IRjl4e

Tony was going down for the third time. He’d tried, dammit he’d truly tried to give Sophia space. Let her decide her future, follow her dreams. It had torn him apart to let her go the first time, but she’d been too young, innocent. Unaware of her place in the world. It wouldn’t have been fair to tie her to him, give her a child. The thought of his baby growing beneath her breast raised something wild and uncivilized within. He wanted to beat his chest and haul her off to his cave. Hold her there until she never wanted to leave. But, he couldn’t.

Quite simply, she meant too much to him to allow her to ruin her life.

He lifted his head and put some space between them, the cool air a sharp contrast to his overheated skin. Her eyes were still closed, and that delectable mouth made a little mewling sound that damn near cancelled his good intentions.

“Sophia, stop,” he growled. “We need to talk.” Her eyes flickered, an adorable frown marring the creamy perfection of her forehead. She took a step back and he felt the loss keenly.

“Why do you always do that?” she asked, resignation chasing shadows across her face.

“What?” he asked, afraid of the answer.

“Hide every time anyone gets too close.” She reached out to touch his cheek, then let her hand drop. “I’m tired of playing this game, Tony. You have to know how I feel about you, I’ve never made it a secret.” A sad smile touched her lips. “The ball is in your court now. What are you going to do about it?”

He stood there long after she’d left the family graveyard, the wind erasing the footprints she’d left in the sand and wondered if he would ever be brave enough to take a chance on love again.

Free Deals from my Friends

The Pam of Babylon Boxed Set: A Women’s Fiction/Romance Series

At last, by USA Today Bestselling Author Suzanne Jenkins, the Pam of Babylon series starter collection! Contains the first five full-length novels plus two additional stories!

When Jack has a heart attack on the train from Manhattan, his wife and his two lovers discover secrets and lies…and each other. But what happens next? And how did they get to that point? Find out in this addictive soap opera, combining intrigue, mystery, drama, women’s fiction, and of course, romance!

“A soap opera I can’t put down!” “When’s the next story coming out?” “Addictive!” “I can’t live without Pam.”

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Road To Recovery (Road Series Book 1)

Being perfect isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

After surviving a horrific car crash, Brooke Malone is ready to start over. Moving from her hometown of Burlington, Vermont, to Albany, New York, for a new job, her only goals are to focus on her career and her recovery. The last thing she wants is the distraction of a relationship. Least of all with a sexy more-than-perfect coworker who is adamant about needing to help her.

Lucas Mathews is any woman’s dream man. As a successful attorney, he could have any woman he wants. But he wants Brooke, the one woman who doesn’t seem interested. Can he win her over when all she wants to do is rebuild her life? Or will the secrets Brooke holds deep shatter any chance at happiness?

https://amzn.to/2xd7uH5

June 28, 2019June 27, 2019

Jacquie Biggar22 Comments

Freebie Friday #SummerReading #Romance

Freebie Friday

I’ve decided to try a fun new promotion. Each Friday, all summer long, I’ll be sharing a #free book, either from my backlist or a friend’s.

So, if you have a free book you’d like to share, send me an email: jbiggar at jacqbiggar dot com with your cover, blurb, short excerpt, links, and a bio along with the Friday you’d like it listed. Let’s work together to spread the word on our masterpieces!

Summer Lovin’- A Wounded Hearts Novella

Will two mismatched lovers find a way past their mistakes?

Mitch Taylor and Rebecca Sorenson share a secret.

Rebecca’s job as secretary of Cascade Elementary, the same school she attended as a child, is rewarding. She has a great group of friends, many of whom are married now. And if sometimes she wished it were her up there in that sparkling white dress…

Except, wait—she did get to wear bridal white. Granted, it was a slinky party dress and the justice of the peace was Elvis in a gold lame jacket, but still, the deed was done.

She’d tied the knot.

Mitch Taylor doesn’t do regrets. It would be a waste of energy bemoaning the mistakes he’d made in his life. The end of his promising football career taught him nothing in life was a guarantee.

Like love.

What were the chances two people from the same po-dunk town in Washington would end up together in a nightclub in Las Vegas? A few too many drinks later, a hasty ceremony performed by the king of rock ‘n’ roll, and they’d been hitched. The night that followed lived on in his dreams, but when he’d woken the next morning she was gone.

Will two mismatched lovers find a way past their mistakes?

Rebecca was in Hell.

What other explanation could there be for the reappearance of Mitch in her life when she’d worked so diligently to avoid him for the best part of eighteen hundred and eighteen days—not that she was counting.

The divorce papers sitting on the desk at home were burning a hole through her brain, making her ache with things she dared not admit.

He looked amazing, by far the handsomest man in a room full of fine-looking men. His white dress shirt emphasized the breadth of those impossibly wide shoulders, honed to steel by years of honest manual labor. But then she’d always admired that about him. When his football career had come to an abrupt end he could have turned to a bottle and no one would have faulted him for it. Instead he picked himself up, went to a community college, got his welding ticket, and opened a business. Now his work was often sought after from all over the state and his shop had grown from a backyard garage to a fully equipped warehouse on a prime piece of Tidal Falls land. Mitch Taylor was a local success story.

He grasped her hand and she reluctantly followed his lead across a floor now packed with swaying bodies. He didn’t stop until they reached a shadowed alcove off to one side of the stage. When he turned and held out his arms she stepped forward like a lamb, letting his jacket drop onto a nearby chair. The moment his arms wrapped around her and his calloused fingers found the bare skin of her lower back, Becky knew she was in trouble.

Her startled gaze rushed upward and tangled in the molten heat of his amber eyes. The light and shadows created by their surroundings turned his face lean and mysterious and oh-so-hypnotic. Someone bumped into them but she barely noticed, she was so caught up in his aura. It had been like this before—in Las Vegas.

Rebecca tried to pull away, her heart beating double time, an out-of-sync counterpoint to the drums playing on stage. Mitch simply tugged so that she had to grasp the front of his shirt to keep from falling—not that he would have let her. There were many things about Mitch Taylor that bothered her, but she never doubted his kindness.

He bowed his head and rested his cheek against her temple and his voice rumbled through her soul. “It’s just a dance, sweetheart. What are you afraid of?”

Everything.

Him.

Herself.

June 21, 2019June 20, 2019

Jacquie Biggar25 Comments

Journey to Sweetheart Cove with a #Free #Romance

It’s Victoria Day weekend in Canada and I want to celebrate the onset of summer with a sale and some pics from my keyhole garden 🙂

First the sale. Sweetheart Cove is #Free from May 17- 21!

Josie Sparks is looking for escape after a disastrous relationship. A summer job on a small Pacific Northwest island seems perfect. That is, until she meets her irascible new boss. She thinks she can help his sweet little girl–he’s another story.

Jacob Samuels needs someone reliable to care for his special needs daughter, but is sorry he trusted his sister with the task when help arrives in the shape of a too-young, too-tempting therapist with pain-filled eyes he can’t ignore.

Sand, surf, and soft island breezes bring two lonely hearts together in this heartwarming tale of second chance romance and a love that lasts forever.

What Readers are Saying

Often romance novels can be cliche and formulaic – guy meets girl, etc. I never got that feeling with this novella. The characters were engaging and likable and behaved in a normal fashion. Sure Jacob Samuels is handsome, and Josie Sparks is beautiful, but isn’t that what love does to people?

If you are looking for a feel-good novel that restores your faith in humanity, slip into the world of “Sweetheart’s Cove.” Pack a bag. You might want to stay awhile. ❤
Colleen Chesebro

The setting is beautifully described—I could smell the salt air, feel the sun on my skin and the sand underfoot. Throw in a puppy (which she did) and you’ve got a fool-proof recipe for a delightful read.

I can’t wait for the next one.
Writester

This is such a heartwarming, lovely story, complete with a moody widower, his disabled sweetie of a young daughter, a cute puppy and a “jilted at the altar” heroine.
Colorado Cowgirl

♥♦♥ Order Your Copy now! ♥♦♥

International Link: http://books2read.com/SweetheartCove

Or add it to your TBR list: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40766281-sweetheart-cove

Recommend on Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/sweetheart-cove-blue-haven-book-1-by-jacquie-biggar

Exclusive Excerpt

Josie smiled and waited patiently for Jane to make her move. “Don’t worry, you’ve got this,” she encouraged the little girl.

Jane grunted and leaned forward in her wheelchair, teeth scraping her bottom lip. “I’m stuck.”

“Take your time, there’s no rush.”

She glanced out at the evening sky. “Daddy will be home soon.”

Josie’s pulse skipped a beat. Two weeks later and still the thought of Jacob’s infrequent appearances sent her into a tizzy. He was just so… masculine. She’d managed to keep their interactions to a bare minimum, but sooner or later he was going to want a report on his daughter’s progress. Hopefully, he understood her decision to take the time to build trust with Jane before attempting much in the way of therapy. Hence, the chess game she was currently losing.

“Your dad will have to play a game, so you can show him how good you are,” she said.

Jane sighed. “He doesn’t have time to play.” She reached out to move a pawn, then changed her mind and slid the rook horizontally across the board, capturing an unsuspecting knight.

Josie looked at her dwindling pieces and grinned. “Just as well, it wouldn’t be fair to him.”

Jane giggled.

She was such a sweetheart. Jacob should be here. It should’ve been him teaching Jane the intricate moves of chess and taking pride in her aptitude for the game. She wouldn’t be six forever, these moments were precious.

The underlying sadness in the Samuels household carried an almost physical presence. “Is your father away a lot?” she asked. She’d looked, but there were no pictures or really any feminine touches at all in the home. It was as though Jane’s mom never existed. She didn’t know the full situation, or if father and daughter shared treasured memories, but they were an important step in Jane’s recovery. She would have to corner the dragon, so to speak, and find out what could be done to help the child.

Jane fiddled with the knight she’d captured, curls brushing her cherub cheeks. “More now than he used to be. He says business is booming and he needs to strike while the iron’s hot—whatever that means.”

Or he was using his work to avoid the issues at home.

“Well, he has to have a good reputation to be that busy. You must be very proud of him.” Josie moved a pawn and took a drink of the punch they’d made before the game. “Mmm, this is delicious. Did you try it yet?” As with the chess, Jane had shown a natural aptitude in the kitchen, mixing and matching juices and ginger ale into a delightful cocktail beverage. They were going to bake brownies tomorrow. Everyday tasks like these would instill confidence as well as increasing dexterity without the connotations of physical therapy. She’d found her patients performed much better under positive reinforcement and exercises that pushed conventional boundaries.

Jane reached out to the fancy snifter they’d used for the drinks, but her fingers caught the chess board and pushed it up against the glass, which was sitting too close to the edge of the table and tipped over, hitting the floor with a crash. Her mouth dropped open as the cold liquid splashed up her legs.

Josie smiled and was about to reassure the girl when Mount Samuels erupted.

“Don’t move,” Jacob snarled, dropping the pack he’d walked in with and hurrying across the room to the wheelchair. “Are you hurt?” he asked his daughter, leaning over her head like a dark cloud of doom.

“N… no,” she said, tears clinging to thick, dark lashes. “I’m sorry, Daddy. I didn’t mean to drop the glass.”

He shot Josie a cold glare. “I know that, Pumpkin. Let’s get you washed up, shall we?”

He backed the wheelchair away from the table and turned towards the bedrooms. “Miss Sparks, there are towels in the kitchen. See if you can clean the mess without cutting yourself.” He strode a few feet and glanced over his shoulder. “And don’t go anywhere. I want to talk to you.”

Josie frowned as he walked away. Accidents were bound to happen. He couldn’t wrap his daughter in bubble wrap. She was bound to get hurt now and then, it was part of life.

She rescued the chess board from the river of juice dampening the wood, then side-stepped the glass to hurry into the kitchen for towels and a container for the broken pieces. Maybe they should have used Jane’s plastic cups for their drinks, but Josie wasn’t sorry they hadn’t—even with the unhappy ending. She’d seen the little girl’s eyes light up for the first time since they’d met. She didn’t need to be treated with kid gloves. Most people thrived with a challenge and picking up a glass tumbler while playing a game of chess had allowed Jane to see the possibilities.

No, she wasn’t sorry.

“Miss Sparks, what do you think you’re doing?”

The gravelly texture of Jacob’s voice rolled up her spine and caused an involuntary shiver just as she lifted jagged glass from the floor. Blood spurted. Josie gasped and dropped the offending piece into the container before reaching for a napkin to cover the wound.

“Don’t yell,” she snapped. Uncomfortable with him towering over her, she stood then wished she hadn’t as the room swayed—or was that her?

“Whoa,” he said, grasping her arm to steady her. “A nurse that can’t stand the sight of blood, huh?” He urged her into a chair and left to wet a cloth in the kitchen sink.

“Therapist,” she called, irritated with her temporary weakness and exasperated with him for noticing. “It’s not the same thing.”

He returned with a damp rag and gently took her hand. He uncovered the injury, checked for glass, then wrapped her finger. “You’ll survive.” He tipped her chin and gazed into her eyes. Something… heated passed between them.

Josie swallowed and held her breath.

He released her and took a step away, clearing his throat. “My daughter has limited mobility. Please take care in the future so that you don’t endanger her safety again.” He waved a hand at the chess board. “And save the games for when you’re off-duty, if you don’t mind. I pay you to work with Jane and help her accept her lifestyle, not to throw a party.”

He stomped out of the room and left her fuming. A party with a six-year-old and a glass of punch.

Go her.

Then the memory of the heat in his stormy blue-gray eyes washed over her and she felt dizzy all over again.

Now for the Garden

My garden is my happy place. It nourishes my soul as much as my body.

Happy Victoria Day Weekend everyone!

May 17, 2019May 15, 2019

Jacquie Biggar22 Comments

Will her secrets destroy what they’ve built… Unlocking Fear by Kennedy Layne #RomSuspense #reading @InkSlingerPR @KennedyL_Author

UNLOCKING FEAR by Kennedy Layne is free for a limited time!

About UNLOCKING FEAR

A chance mishap with a sledgehammer was the sole reason a chilling nightmare was unleashed in Blyth Lake.

Noah Kendall’s grisly discovery left him in the middle of a murder investigation and a neighbor who knew more than she was willing to say. Reese Woodward had returned to town with dark secrets, and he was determined to unravel them. While evil lurks in the darkness, seduction burns between them…only time was their enemy.

Will her secrets destroy what they’ve built, or can he earn her trust before the killer strikes again?

Add UNLOCKING FEAR to your Goodreads list here!

Get your copy of UNLOCKING FEAR for free now!

✦Amazon http://amzn.to/2oDD6Tg
✦iBooks http://apple.co/2ouRvO6
✦Barnes and Noble http://bit.ly/2AYCo5e
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Get a sneak peek at UNLOCKING FEAR:

“You should take the first swing.” Reese lifted the black strap of the clear goggles over her hair and the back of her head. She secured them over her face until the plastic curve rested on the bridge of her nose. “Isn’t it good luck or something? This way, you only have yourself to blame if you regret doing the damage.”

Noah hadn’t heard that particular old wives’ tale before, but he wasn’t the superstitious type. He handed over the sledge hammer and stepped back, allowing her room to swing the heavy tool.

“She’s all yours, honey. Go for it.”

Reese bit her lip as she attempted to get a good hold on the rubberized grip over the wooden handle. Once she was comfortable with her grasp, she lifted the heavy weapon and swung for the fences. Her laugh reverberated throughout the empty house as her first try resulted in only a tiny dent.

“You can swing harder than that,” Noah encouraged, laughing with her.

Her next strike cracked the drywall.

“You’re right,” Reese said rather breathlessly with a radiant smile. “This is very therapeutic.”

Another blow of the sledgehammer had a piece of drywall falling to the floor, but her swing was off by a half foot or more. The angle of the head had made a rather deep hole.

“You’re lucky I don’t charge for…” Noah raised a hand to stop Reese from swinging the sledge hammer once more. He stepped closer to the portion of the wall she’d opened without meaning to, wondering what the hell was inside the partition. It looked to be some type of heavy construction plastic wrap. “Wait. Hold up for just a second.”

Noah grabbed part of the drywall and pulled it away, hoping to clear whatever was inside out of Reese’s way so that she could keep working.

“Noah, is that what I think it is?”

The sledge hammer hit the floor with a thud at the exact moment Noah took a step back at the realization of what was in front of them. Both he and Reese stood side by side as they stared in horror at a secret this house had held for twelve years.

“We need to call the sheriff. Right now.”

Noah reached into the front pocket of his jeans and pulled out his phone, blinking one more time in hopes that the grisly scene in front of him disappeared. That wasn’t going to happen.

A decomposed skeleton wrapped in plastic stared out from its hiding place inside the wall. The jaw was slightly opened as if to be screaming for help. The col or of the hair was still recognizable after all these years.

Just what kind of hideous crime had they uncovered?

Noah and Reese exchanged a horrified glance that conveyed a million words.

They were now bound together after having uncovered a shocking secret someone had wanted to stay buried forever.

About Kennedy Layne

Kennedy Layne is a USA Today bestselling author. She draws inspiration for her military romantic suspense novels in part from her not-so-secret second life as a wife of a retired Marine Master Sergeant. He doubles as her critique partner, beta reader, and military consultant. They live in the Midwest with their teenage son and menagerie of pets. The loyal dogs and mischievous cats appreciate her writing days as much as she does, usually curled up in front of the fireplace. She loves hearing from readers–find out how to connect with her at www.kennedylayne.com.

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September 1, 2018August 28, 2018

Jacquie BiggarLeave a comment

The Guardian is #Free #PNR #RomanticSuspense #mgtab

The Guardian is Free!

A couple of free living movie stars have their lives changed forever when they are involved in a horrific car accident. One dies, Lucas Carmichael, and seeks redemption for his carelessness by vowing to help those he left behind.
Scott Anderson is lost and bitter without his best friend and blames himself for the accident. When the ME charged with investigating the case is harassed, Scott tries to help and finds himself caught up in a dangerous web of lies and deceit.
Cook County Medical Examiner, Tracy York, has seen the extreme violence humans can inflict on one another. Her sister was murdered when she was a teenager and it has made her wary of the male population. When she is tasked with the investigation into a suspicious crash that killed one mega-star, and injured the other, Tracy must put aside her reservations and accept the hand of a stranger.
Can two lost souls come together to stop a madman and find love and peace with the help of a sarcastic angel, or will fate deal them a losing hand?

I really enjoyed creating these characters. Lucas is sarcastic and irreverent, great qualities for an angel, and Scott is bitter and antagonistic. It takes a special woman and a near death experience to help all three to see the light and maybe get a chance at a happy ending.

What readers are saying:

This is a fast-paced novel with a plethora of fascinating characters!

InD’tale Magaizine

I was lucky to receive an advanced copy of The Guardian. A quick, easy read that I enjoyed!. A serious topic handled not only with touching moments but a few humorous moments also. Romance, suspense,family ties,friendship, angels that aren’t sure about being angels,some sad moments, some nail biter moments, and a darling dog named Sugar Bear….what more could we want? I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.

Barbara Cassata

Everything from the in-depth characterization to the intricate plot, from the conflict of Lucas to the guilt of Scott to the swoon-worthy romance made this one of the top books of 2016. Jacquie portrayed Heaven (and God) in an original concept which is well-done, considering the amount of books written in this genre. Filled with emotional angst and the allure of making amends, I was touched by all three main characters. I cared instantly for all three and I wished for everyone to be okay at the end. I’m a sucker for a happy ending.

N.N. Light

Who wouldn’t want to be swept off her feet by a movie star? And championed by a guardian angel? Sign me up! And like any great start to a series, the ending left me reaching for the next book. Highly recommended

Christine Hart

He was selfishly glad she was here. From the time she was little he and Scott had known she was special.

August 16, 2017August 16, 2017

Jacquie BiggarLeave a comment

If it Ain’t Broke… #mfrwauthor #mgtab #RSsos #amwriting @jacqbiggar

Do you like to bake?

I’ve had my share of ups and downs when it comes to the world of cooking. It’s long been a standing joke in my family that all they have to do is follow the smoke to our house and they’d know I was cooking.

And the thing is, I actually ~~kinda, sorta,~~ enjoy working in the kitchen.

There’s nothing better than the aroma of fresh baked bread, or peanut butter cookies, or chocolate cake, or…well, you get the idea.

I always connect those scents to my childhood. We always walked home from school and never thought twice about seeing my mom busy baking for the family. Often there would be warm, gooey chocolate chip cookies on the counter waiting for our grubby little fingers, a roast in the oven tempting our taste buds, and a welcoming smile on her rosy cheeks.

She always made it look so easy.

Then I grew up and realized just how much work went into those tasty treats we took for granted. My efforts were much more like Lucy’s:

You’re probably wondering where I’m going with this.

I equate baking to writing.

How, you say?

Some people are naturals, anything they put on the page comes out sounding fresh and entertaining—perfect.

But when you cut into the heart of it, the center may seem underdone, lacking in flavor—mediocre.

How do we overcome this to become true culinary chefs in our writing instead of merely cooks?

Maybe if Lucy had admitted to being overwhelmed, her boss might have offered her a few tips and a little guidance.

I’ve found the writing community to be kind and generous with information, so don’t be afraid.

I think one of the things that has helped me the most is critique groups. I belong to a local group of ladies who are invaluable, and a fantastic Romance Writers of America chapter called, Kiss of Death, or KOD for short. One of their programs, Lethal Ladies, is an online critiquing group where a writer turns in a chapter at a time and in return critiques other members work. I can’t imagine what I would have done without their guidance and support. For more information, or if you would like to become a member of Lethal Ladies contact Jacquie Biggar: Jbiggar@jacqbiggar.com

You have to be a little bit brave. Just like when you put the ingredients of your baking together and nourish it to completion, you have to send them out to be consumed. Your book is waiting for hungry minds to give it a taste.

It’s not always easy taking criticism, and yet, it’s so rewarding when that pan comes out of the oven and your family’s eyes light up with joy.

If you never try, how will you know what you can accomplish?

The Sisters of Suspense have a new anthology available now to share with readers and the best part—it’s Free!

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All in one spot. Come join our writers’ and readers’ community.

We guarantee you a deadly connection.

Check out our monthy Giveaway

November 30, 2015November 30, 2015

Jacquie BiggarLeave a comment

New Release CEO’s Widow by Tina Gayle – Celebrating with a #freebook #MFRWauthor #Romance @AuthorTinaGale

Today, I’m hosting Tina Gayle. She is very excited about the last book in her Executive Wives’ Club series. To get readers interested in the series, she is offering the first book “Marketing Exec’s Widow” #Free from Oct. 3 – 7. CEO’s Widow comes out Oct. 8, but can be picked up now on pre-order.

Executives’ Wives’ Club series

Genre: Contemporary Romance with strong women fiction elements

Four women…
One fatal car wreck…
Everyone’s lives changed…

Marketing Exec’s Widow

author of heartwarming romance novels for romance readers.

Jennifer Larson, having lost her husband, friends and the perfect life she’d had plan, now faces the biggest challenge of her life, moving into an unplanned future. While the rest of the Executive Wife Club is still wallowing in the past, Jen is tempted into the future by a sexy chiropractor, Hagan Chaney.

But does he really love her or is he only after her money?

CEO’s Widow

Tagline: Facing the possibility of having breast cancer, Marianne must decide if she wants to give love another chance and build a future with whatever time she may have left.

Blurb:

After surviving the grief from her husband’s death, Marianne Clark has built a new life with the help of the other Executive Wives. She plans to enjoy grandchildren and friends until her doctor tells her he found a lump in her breast. Her world turned upside down. She re-evaluates her priorities and decides she grab hold of life with both hands.

Knox Turner lost is first wife to cancer. He’s determined not to let Marianne face this challenge alone.

Can this couple face the trails ahead and build a future together?

Excerpt:

Incapable of resisting, Marianne set a hand on his chest and absorbed the pleasure of being in this man’s arms again. Too bad the bliss couldn’t last longer. He needed to get back to work. She had errands to run. “Knox, you’re making it harder and harder to resist you.”

“Then don’t. We’ve both had more than enough time to know what we want. Jack and Betty both died almost two years ago. We needed to move on.” He caressed a hand along her back, easing her body even closer to the hard line of his.

Marianne smiled. She’d known him for years as her husband’s boss and respected for all he’d accomplished in the business world. Her hang-up over their age difference grew less and less important as more time passed. “Shouldn’t we at least date a few other people first? Test the water. Make sure we’re not making a mistake by latching onto the first person we’re attracted to.”

“Good, so you admit you find me attractive?” He lowered his head and nuzzled the side of her neck, playfully nipping at her ear.

She sighed. His tantalizing touch and the deep rumble of his voice tempted her into sliding her hand along the back of his neck. Her fingers slid through his silky hair, and she marveled at sensual thrill of being so close to him. For months now, she’d convinced herself her life was full enough with just her kids and grandkids.

Could she be wrong?

Buy Links:

Available at Amazon Worldwide exclusively:

http://amzn.to/1MUiDQ5

Newsletter:

If you would like to sign up to be an exclusive member of Tina’s List simply visit:

http://www.tinagayle.net/newsletter.html

You’ll receive a free short story – “My Future StepBrother.” This story leads you right into the story of the CEO’s Widow.

Author Bio:

Tina Gayle grew up a dreamer and loved to escape into the world of books.

After years of working in the business world doing a variety of jobs, she decided to try her hand at writing and hope to incorporate the joy of being a mother into her books.
Currently working on a series about four executive wives, she is excited about combining elements of women fiction with the passion of romance. The first three books have been released and the last one is coming out in 2015.

Married twenty-five years, she and her husband love to travel and play golf. She can’t wait for Mike to retire so they can do more of both.

Read the first chapter of any of her books by visiting her website.