Nikki Lynn Barrett's Blog, page 4

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 This is the time where authors post snippets of their work, whether it be published or unpublished.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!

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

THE TROUBLE WITH LOVE(A Cupcake Lovers Novel #2)Beth Ciotta

Blurb:
A CONSTANT CRAVING Rocky Monroe’s bad luck is legendary. So it stands to reason that during a quick trip to New York on behalf of the Cupcake Lovers’ forthcoming book, she winds up in the arms of the one man she never wants to see again. So what if he’s also the man she can’t stop dreaming about? Mouth-watering Jayce Bello has always been Rocky’s biggest mistake, and she’s not going to let history repeat itself … unless she gets a new taste of his delicious kisses.
AN IRRESISTIBLE DESIRE When Jayce Bello left Sugar Creek ten years ago, it was the right thing to do—for him and for Rocky, his best friend’s little sister. But one passionate night with gorgeous, reckless Rocky is enough to prove that she’s the missing ingredient in his happiness. Now, with scandalous secrets souring the sweetness of the Cupcake Lovers’ club, Jayce needs to convince Rocky that their love is something to savor …
***
TEASER…
Rocky turned just as Jayce moved into the small room, filling the space with a palatable intensity. As always her heart fluttered and pounded at the sight of him. Tall, lean, and mean. Physically perfect in her book. He wore his dark golden hair longer these days and had grown a devilishly sexy goatee. Bad-boy to the bone, he was dressed in neck-to-toe black. Baggy pullover shirt, cargo pants, a wool Pea Coat hanging open, and a pair of rubber soled boots. He looked to-die-for handsome. He looked . . . angry.
“You said it was nothing.”
She realized his gaze was fixed on her shirt—stained with copious amounts of mostly dried blood. “It looks worse than it is.” She gestured to her forehead, feigned nonchalance. “Just a tiny cut, but it bled like a mother. It’s not that bad. Didn’t even need real stitches. Just this butterfly strip.”
Jayce dragged a hand down his face. “What else?”
Her body trembled when he moved in for a keener inspection. Her temperature spiked. Her brain glitched. Everything—her senses, her emotions—were magnified. She blamed her shaky state on the mugging, the accident, the meds, but no amount of rationalizing, curbed her intense reaction to the reassuring presence of this man. “Just some bruises,” she croaked, swallowing hard when he smoothed messy curls from her face. She’d had a crush on Jayce since she was a kid. She’d finally seduced him on the night of her seventeenth birthday. It had been perfect . . . until the next morning when he’d broken her heart. Every time she saw him, which was hardly ever, a lifetime of memories and emotions battered her soul. Every time she saw him, she fell a little harder instead of digging her way out. “I shouldn’t have called.”
* * *
LINKS…  
Amazon Buy Linkhttp://www.amazon.com/The-Trouble-Love-Cupcake-Lovers/dp/1250001331/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1362865749&sr=8-1&keywords=the+trouble+with+love+beth+ciotta
Book Video Teaser via You Tube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8AenZAqHQw
Website:www.bethciotta.com
Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/BethCiottaBooks
Twitterhttps://twitter.com/BethCiotta
Bloghttp://bethciotta.blogspot.com/


Follow along the tour and the more you comment, the better your chances are at winning one of five copies of the book. Please be sure to leave an email address :)
  http://www.tastybooktours.com/The-Trouble-with-Love.html

Welcome back to Sneak Peek Sunday! This is the chance to visit various blogs and read snippets of authors work. it's a fun way to find new books, I know I've found a few just be reading! So I hope you enjoy. There's always a little something for everyone.


Today's Sneak Peek is another from Baby Stetson.  My jaded hero, Lucas, is having a conversation with Avery,




     Avery reached for his hand. “I’d like for you to
be there. I’m comfortable around you, and I think
having you near me will help.”


     Surprise registered on his face. “Wow. That’s
a first.”


     “What is?”


     “Someone actually wanting me around for a big
moment in their life.”


     From what he’d confided to her so far about his
life, it seemed like Lucas wasn’t sure of his place, like
he didn’t have somewhere to belong. No wonder he’d
been the way he was.


     “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be a downer. I’m
at a better place in life with you in it,” Lucas admitted.
“You’ve helped change me, Avery.”



There it is! Short and sweet :)



Amazon     Barnes & Noble   Kobo



Here is where you can go to find other participants in Sneak peek Sunday. Happy hopping! 

http://sneakpeeksunday.blogspot.com/2013/03/sneakpeeksunday-3312013.html

Welcome back to Sneak Peek Sunday! I'm having a blast with this...and it's a fun way to read snippets of other authors' work.

Today, I'm offering up another snippet from my contemporary romance, Baby Stetson.  There's been a series of storms around Harmony's Echo. Lucas has been away from Avery during the storm, and they've just found her. Now, Lucas and Avery's ex Jameson are having a bonding moment.  I hope you enjoy!



     “Are you all right?” Jameson asked. The blue
and red lights from the emergency vehicles lit up the
night. Lucas was a muddy mess, wet, and scared out
of his mind, but he nodded.

     “It’s been a crazy past few days. Gives me a
lot of perspective, that’s for sure,” Lucas said, looking
back at where the paramedics tended to Avery.

     A hand clapped on his shoulder. Lucas looked
back at Jameson, who smiled. “That Avery, she’s a
fighter. She’ll make it out of this just fine.”

     “I just don’t know if she’ll forgive me for the
stupid shit I’ve done,” Lucas muttered. He hadn’t
meant to say that out loud, especially to Jameson, but
there it was.

     “She will,” Jameson replied softly. “She
forgave me. Even though her feelings changed, it tore
her up inside. It hurt her far worse than it did me
when she told me she didn’t feel the same, but she
said she forgave me. I love that woman, and always
will, but I know now she loves you, Lucas. I don’t
know what you did, but it can’t be bad enough that
Avery wouldn’t forgive you. She doesn’t hold
grudges.”

     “That means a lot, coming from you,” Lucas
admitted. They never got to finish the conversation.
The other members of the search party, including
Paula, all rushed over.




And there you have it!

I'm pleased to say that Baby Stetson is now available!

Amazon     Barnes & Noble   Kobo


Be sure to see what other great authors have up today! There's a little something for everyone!

Go here for the other blog links. I hope you enjoy! 

Thanks for stopping by! :) 

Welcome back to Sneak Peek Sunday! I'm posting another teaser from my contemporary romance,
Baby Stetson.

Lucas is being coy and driving Avery crazy in this snippet. Is he driving her crazy in a good or bad way?




She opened her mouth, about to argue with him. Lucas took that moment to kiss her on the lips. She
reeled back, narrowing her eyes at him. “You can’t keep doing that.”

Lucas blinked innocently. “Doing what?”

Avery socked him on the arm. “Don’t play coy. You know what I mean. I get ready to say something to you and you just kiss me! Like you’re trying to make me forget what I was about to say to you!”

Lucas arched his brow at her. “Well, did it work?”

“No. I didn’t forget,” Avery fired back at him. But then a smile played at her lips. “Maybe a little.”

“So what if I kiss you again? Will that help make you forget?” Without waiting for an answer, he
cupped her face and kissed her again, this time more passionately. Avery didn’t fight back. She kissed him back. When it ended, Avery looked at him with those gorgeous eyes. He had no idea what she would do next.



And there you have it! I hope you enjoyed today's Baby Stetson snippet. Lucas and Avery were so fun to write!


I do hope you'll check out some of the other blogs participating in Sneak Peek Sunday. There have
been some amazing excerpts, and such a variety! Check here to see what other authors have up to offer!

 I'm putting the finishing touches on Baby Stetson. I've got 2 out of 3 responses back from beta readers. Both of them are extremely positive, with a few thoughts and ideas. Doing another round of proofreading, adding the extra excerpts, and a few other things, and this week could be it! The week that I become a multi published author.

And this is where the nerves come back....I just did this a few months ago, the same nervous feeling!

Does this still happen to any of you, even after publishing a handful of books?

I'm a perfectionist- if someone points out something, I'm all over it to 'fix' it. But was it really broken?  My mind is an array of "What is everyone going to think?"

Okay. Time to take a step back. Since when have I cared about what people think? Ugh,I stopped that a long time ago. Or did I?  Apparently not. But it's a little different with writing, because I need and want to know what people think. That's what helps me become a better author.  I hope for the positive outcome from a project I've worked long and hard on, to the point where I still love the story, but so sick of combing through it.

Am I crazy?

Tell me I'm not alone...?

Today's six gives readers a glimpse of a playful side to Lucas.
He's always been so serious, but Avery brings out the better man in him.




As the tide pulled back, Lucas stopped, and waited for the next round of waves to come ashore. When
they did, Avery shrieked, then laughed afterwards. The water was chilly! As the waves slapped his
ankles and then retreated, Lucas laughed, pulling Avery further in. She resisted, shivering.

“Come willingly, or I’ll get you,” Lucas threatened, pulling her close to him.

“You wouldn’t dare do what I think you’re planning.” Avery narrowed her eyes.

“Oh?” That was a dare Lucas had to take. Avery started to back away. Lucas was faster. He smiled as
he swooped her up in his arms and carried her a little further into the water. When they were waste deep
in the ocean, the water slammed against Avery’s bottom, she screamed and kicked her legs, holding on
tight to his neck.

“Don’t do it!” she cried. She was shivering. She had a strong hold on him, begging him not to drop her.

“Don’t do what? Drop you?” Lucas laughed. Yeah, that water was cold, but he couldn’t go back on his
dare now. The horror on Avery’s face only made it worth it more. Lucas released his grip on her and
she plunged into the water. She’d never let him go, so Lucas went down with her. Fully submerged in
the chilled waters, he was just as shocked. When they both raised their heads from the water, Lucas
made a grab for her. “You will pay major for that, Avery Callimer, that’s a promise. I will get you.”





To read some other great snippets, check out the link here.

Who knows, you may discover new books, new authors! :)

Thanks for stopping by!

Hi! Welcome to my post for today's Sneak Peek Sunday. I'm going to be posting an excerpt from my upcoming release, Baby Stetson.

As a bit of a refresher, here is the blurb of the book:


In small Texas towns, strangers come and go...  

Left in a Stetson hat, on the steps of the local bed and breakfast, Avery Callimer came into the world on a wing and a prayer. Raised by loving adoptive parents, she's never lacked for love...only the knowledge of her past.

By day she works the Inn, but by night...Avery comes alive as lead singer in a band. Life was good...stable, until new guests blew into town.

Some strangers come with secrets and lies

Lucas Bennett is one such stranger. Drifting from one mess to another has left him jaded. Doesn't matter the dramas are never his doing. Giving it one last shot to make a fresh start lands him Harmony's Echo, Texas and smack dab in front of the tantalizing Avery.

Despite his best efforts to ignore the burn Avery's ignited within, he's intent to keep his distance. Secrets have followed him. Secrets he doesn't want Avery to know.

Each time they're near the other things heat up like a brushfire on a dry Texas prairie.

But maybe, after the dust settles and the smoke clears, love can bloom with a fresh start.



------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Lucas is not the only stranger to come into Avery's life.  Today's peek will give you a glimpse of someone else that has come to meet Avery.


EXCERPT:

         The bell jingled, signaling someone coming in.  Avery turned around to face the desk and put on a happy smile as the middle aged man walked up briskly to her.  " HI! How may I help you?"Avery asked, feigning cheerfulness.  The man studied her for a second, his jaw slack, eyes full of curiosity.  He had tan skin, a faint hint of a mustache and beard, and his sandy brown hair kept short.  He stood straight, at a little over six feet tall.  His clothes were casual,  wearing blue jeans and a plaid long sleeved shirt that were tucked in.


        “Do you have any availability for about week or so?” he asked in a gruff tone.

“Sure do.  Is it just you?" Avery asked, pulling up the registry on the computer screen.
“Yes ma'am.”

“Name?  And I'll need to see a credit card and identification, please.  Oh, and here's something you'll need to sign.

“Rodney Morris.”  Two cards were shoved across the desk.  Avery blinked, took in a sharp breath.  "Excuse me?" Her head whipped up, staring at him.  What did he just say that name for-?

Oh my God.  It's him.



_______________________________________________________________________


Curious?  Well, tune in for next time!

Baby Stetson will be available this month!

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you'll check out some of the other great excerpts featured on this week's Sneak Peek Sunday.


http://sneak-peek-sunday.blogspot.com/2013/02/sneak-peek-sunday-march-3.html

BLURB: In small Texas towns, strangers come and go...

Left in a Stetson hat, on the steps of the local bed and breakfast, Avery Callimer came into the world on a wing and a prayer. Raised by loving adoptive parents, she's never lacked for love...only the knowledge of her past.

By day she works the Inn, but by night...Avery comes alive as lead singer in a band. Life was good...stable, until new guests blew into town.

Some strangers come with secrets and lies

Lucas Bennett is one such stranger. Drifting from one mess to another has left him jaded. Doesn't matter the dramas are never his doing. Giving it one last shot to make a fresh start lands him Harmony's Echo, Texas and smack dab in front of the tantalizing Avery.

Despite his best efforts to ignore the burn Avery's ignited within, he's intent to keep his distance. Secrets have followed him. Secrets he doesn't want Avery to know.

Each time they're near the other things heat up like a brushfire on a dry Texas prairie.

But maybe, after the dust settles and the smoke clears, love can bloom with a fresh start.


COMING MARCH 2013

About the Author:

Nikki Lynn Barrett lives in Arizona with her husband and son. She's an avid reader, a dreamer, and loves everything about books. She runs a book blog, an online used bookstore, and writes various genres of romance. Nikki can also be found outside with her camera when a storm is near, snapping photo after photo. Her dreams of becoming a writer started when she was young, when she started writing books in one subject notebooks by the fifth grade. The Secret Santa Wishing Well is her debut book. You can visit Nikki's site at: www.nikkilynnbarrett.blogspot.com for more information. She is working on her next book. Nikki would love to hear from readers. Email her at [email protected]

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The Secret Santa Wishing Well:
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16159845-the-secret-santa-wishing-well