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Wendy Ely

BOOK FEATURE: “A Ring for Christmas” by Wendy Ely

November 16, 2015 Leave a Comment

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“A Ring for Christmas” by Wendy Ely

Blurb: Nautica Pepper learned from an early age that nobody can stop her from following her dreams. She’s one of the few women boxers at One Punch Gym and demands that the women fighters get the same amount of attention as the men. With work on her mind, she doesn’t want to notice the hot guy who wants to join the One Punch family.

He wants nothing but the best! Javier Cruz already landed himself in a match with Trent McGibbon once before and won! Trent’s trainer, Felix Manzi, is the best in the biz, and Javier isn’t too proud to beg for a chance at joining the rest of the crew at the elite gym. If he trains with the best, he’ll be the best, right? He has one chance to prove himself to Felix and to Nautica. Felix gives him a fight on Christmas Eve that Javier can’t miss. But a family emergency sends him racing across the border.

Will Javier make it back in time to fight? Will Nautica decide that loving Javier is worth the risk?

EXCERPT

“Good job, Gibbs,” Nautica yelled over the crowd before turning around to head back to her hotel room, but a man leaning against the doorframe caught her attention and stopped her in her tracks. She took a few steps closer. Wasn’t that the guy who’d been Trent’s opponent when he’d broken his hand? Another few steps. Same dark hair. Same dimpled cheeks. So sexy, broad shoulders. When she’d watched the fight between Gibbs and this guy, he’d been shirtless. Now he wore a suit jacket with a button-down underneath. No tie, but that was fine. This fighter oozed sex appeal that made her heart race and her panties damp. Too close to him now. She snapped her attention back to his face, and grumbled, “Excuse me.”

He stepped to the side to allow her to pass through the door, but said, “Aren’t you from One Punch Boxing?”

“Yeah,” she mumbled. Just because they were gorgeous didn’t mean they were smart, too. Her jacket read the gym’s name.

“Then I’ll be seeing you soon.”

“Huh?” Her eyes narrowed, trying to scan his face for an explanation of his statement. Just two dimples doing their best to twist her insides in a knot. Oh hell, they were doing their job, too.

“See you soon,” he repeated.

She shook her head as she walked away. Did he mean that he’d be joining the One Punch boxing crew? Hell no. He’d won against Trent. The boxers at One Punch were like a family, not quick to invite others into the mix. Besides, Felix didn’t like it when his players lost a fight and certainly when they got injured. Especially not to that guy.

**Buy “A Ring for Christmas” now!: Amazon   Barnes & Noble   iTunes

 


 

**About author, Wendy Ely: Wendy Ely is a USA Today bestselling author, who writes some romantic suspense, really hot stories, and the wonderful happily-ever-after. She lives in Phoenix, Arizona with her two teenagers, and two crazy cats. When she isn’t busy writing new stories, she enjoys time outdoors by taking trips to the hot desert or swimming at the lake.

**Contact Wendy: Facebook   Twitter   Website

Filed Under: A Ring for Christmas Tagged With: A Ring for Christmas, Books, Chick-Lit, Holiday reads, Romance, Wendy Ely, Women's Fiction

Book Feature: “Shades of Desire: 10 Sweet and Spicy Romances”

June 10, 2015 3 Comments

ShadesOfDesire

“Shades of Desire: 10 Sweet and Spicy Romances”

Blurbs:

Liar, Liar: Divorced certified fraud examiner Jessica Barlow catches liars for a living. Sparks fly when she’s assigned to investigate a dating website owned by a man determined to guarantee she finds love, even if he has to pretend to be a client!

About the author: J.A Coffey writes both sizzling and heartwarming contemporary romance and lush, gritty historical fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page.

A complete cupcake addict, when she isn’t writing or reading, she can be found in trying to convert her front lawn to an edible landscape, test baking desserts, or “feathering her nest” with spruced up flea market finds. A 2014 Indie Book Awards Finalist and former RWA Golden Heart finalist in the “Best Manuscript with Romantic Elements” category, J.A. is currently working on her latest novel and trying not to get cupcake batter on her keyboard.

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Dangerous Flames: Sometimes good men are taught to do evil things and it takes the strength of a sheltered woman to make things right. When Gabi learns of her father, she is asked to leave for her own safety. Fine. She’ll go… but she is taking her secret love with her, even if it’s at gun-point.

About the author: Wendy Ely is a USA Today bestselling author who writes some romantic suspense, really hot stories, and the wonderful happily-ever-after. She lives in Phoenix, Arizona with her own real-life hero, three teenagers, and two crazy cats. When she isn’t busy writing new stories, she enjoys time outdoors by taking trips to the hot desert or swimming at the lake.

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A Decade For Darius: Jess never forgot her first kiss, especially since it came from the guy who taught her everything she knows about antiques, her livelihood. But if she wins the priceless inheritance, Jess will risk losing Darius Covington all over again.

About the author: From Dorothy Callahan: Writing has been a passion of mine since I was a young girl, and I am thrilled to be able to see my stories brought to life. I am an animal lover, and animals (both real and imaginary) always have some sort of role in my stories. We have enough animals of our own to run a farm… if only I could convince my husband to let me buy some chickens…..

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Still How For You: Shay LaCosta screwed up a damn good marriage. Now she’s on a mission to get a little submission, and get her hunky husband back in her bed.

About the author: Born and raised in the Bronx, N.Y., Diane Escalera makes her home in coastal North Carolina. The sultry surroundings are a steady source of inspiration for her hot love stories. Diane is married, has two children and a super cute dachshund she can’t get enough of. She writes contemporary romance and is published with Kensington Publishing and Lyrical Press.

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His Bedpost Queen: Athena Lewis has a sharp mind and an even sharper attitude. Except when it comes to “Davie,” the only man who’s ever truly made her feel safe. Yet to protect the only family she has left, she must embark on a mission that goes against everything she believes in, and that includes using the last trick she has left. Her body.

About the author: Lena Hart is the author of sensual romances with alpha heroes and smart, sexy heroines. She published her first book in 2012 and have been publishing happily ever afters since. A Florida-native, Lena currently lives in New York City with her spoiled calico cat, Duchess. When Lena’s not writing, she’s reading, researching, or conferring with her muse.

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Resisting Destiny: Thrown together for ninety days by a spiteful judge, womanizing attorney, Cayson Sullivan and street-smart hustler, Destiny Jackson find the only thing they can agree on is their red-hot attraction for each other.

About the author: Chanta Jefferson Rand is an Emma Award winning Debut Author of the Year, a multi-published, best-selling author of sizzling-hot romance, and the former host of The Chanta Rand Show. An avid reader of all genres, she stepped onto the scene in 2010 with her first published historical romance, Pharaoh’s Desire. Chanta is a history junkie, a Walking Dead fan, and a recovering shoe addict. She never met a stiletto she didn’t like!

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Trusting Love: Pregnant and running from her abusive boyfriend, Chloe Wilder takes refuge in the sleepy coastal town of Arden. Police chief, Jayden Peterson, thinks the worst crime that could happen in Arden is jaywalking. Could the real danger be the two of them falling for each other?

About the author: Emma Leigh Reed has lived in New Hampshire all her life. She has fond memories of the Maine coastline and incorporates the ocean into all her books. She lives in a small town with her three children, although now it is mostly her and her Springer Spaniel to keep her company as empty-nesting has started. Her life has been touched and changed by her son’s autism – she views life through a very different lens than before he was born. Growing up as an avid reader, it was only natural for Emma Leigh to turn to creating the stories for others to enjoy.

* * * * *

Wounded: Battle-worn soldier, Jerry returns home intending to avoid his ex-fiancée. The shrapnel that wounded him pales in comparison to the gash she left in his heart. Kimber lost everything when she broke off her engagement, and she’ll fight to win him back.

About the author: Cindy Stark lives with her family and an adorable Border Collie in a small town shadowed by the Rocky Mountains. She loves to pen emotional romantic suspense, sexy contemporary romance, and sizzling paranormal stories.

* * * * *

Spanish Nights: Armand has lost everything. His magic and his freedom are taken when an evil curse is placed on the Jinn, but a newcomer to town may be his savior. When evil emerges from the shadows, Makayla learns she must choose between her mortality and Armand’s freedom.

About the author: Award winning and bestselling author Valerie Twombly grew up watching Dark Shadows over her mother’s shoulder, and from there her love of the fanged creatures blossomed. Today, Valerie has decided to take her darker, sensual side and put it to paper. When she is not busy creating a world full of steamy, hot men and strong, seductive women, she juggles her time between a full-time job, hubby and her two German shepherd dogs, in Northern IL. Valerie is a member of Romance Writers of America and Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal Romance Writers.

* * * * *

Mr. Right Now: Dumped by her celebrity boyfriend, unlucky-in-love author Casey Cash needs a break. But, between the male escort trying to get into her bed and the tabloid reporter intent on getting her story, Casey might have been smarter to stay in New York…

About the author: Once upon a time, Kristina Knight spent her days running from car crash to fire to meetings with local police–no, she wasn’t a troublemaker, she was a journalist. Her career took her all over the United States, writing about everything from a serial killer’s capture to the National Finals Rodeo. Along the way she found her very own Knight in Shining Cowboy Boots and an abiding love for romance novels. Kristina writes contemporary romance with a smattering of sass, sex and (of course) drama, and she loves hearing from readers. And just like the characters from her favorite books, she’s living her own happily ever after.

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Purchase “Shades of Desire: 10 Sweet and Spicy Romances” now!

Amazon   iBooks   Kobo   ARe   Barnes & Noble   Google

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**Contact: Facebook   Twitter

Filed Under: Chanta Rand, Cindy Stark, Diane Escalera, Dorothy Callahan, Emma Leigh Reed, J.A. Coffey, Kristina Knight, Lena Hart, Shades of Desire: 10 Sweet and Spicy Romances, Valerie Twombly Tagged With: Books, Chanta Rand, Cindy Stark, Diane Escalera, Dorothy Callahan, Emma Leigh Reed, Hot, J.A. Coffey, Kristina Knight, Lena Hart, New Release, Reads, Romance, Sexy, Shades of Desire: 10 Sweet and Spicy Romances, Spicy, Summer, Valerie Twombly, Wendy Ely

Dangerous Flames

September 13, 2013 Leave a Comment

Book Review of “Dangerous Flames”

DangerousFlamesCover

“Dangerous Flames” by Wendy Ely

Book Description:

Back from spending her teen years in Italy, Gabrielle Medini wants answer to the hard questions. She quickly learns that the Mafia still has a hand in controlling society and her father is the Don of the largest mob organization in the area. When a hit order is taken out on her father and one of his members will be doing the killing, Gabi’s mother demands Gabi’s disappearance. For good. This time she refuses to go alone.

The Mafia doesn’t seem so glamorous any more. Not sure what Mik’s role in her father’s crime family is but sure he is involved, Gabrielle has reason to believe that her secret love’s safety is in jeopardy too.

Mikolas Russo is one hit away from becoming part of the Medini crime family. But is this what he really wants? Killing people for money is what he has been trained to do even though he’d give anything to trade the nightmares for sweet dreams of the forbidden Gabrielle. Thinking he has the chance to reveal his feelings to her, he arrives at her house to find her brandishing a loaded gun, ready to take control.

Will the truth fulfill her desires, or will Mikolas be the one to shatter everything?

My Review:

This is my second book I’ve read by Wendy Ely, so I was excited to read “Dangerous Flames”. It began quickly and almost immediately, the story had me in suspense. Whether I was hoping for Gabrielle’s safe escape to her father’s cabin (along with the person she brings with her…no spoilers ;)), and for her and Mikolas to get together, I was on the edge of my seat.

I liked all the characters, especially Gabi, and thought the book ended as it should have. My only concern was that I would have liked to have seen more of who Gabrielle and Mikolas were before she left the country. However, the passion between them since she’s been back, and even when they’re disagreeing, is very obvious.

Wendy Ely is an amazing author who has written a steamy love story between Gabriella and Mikolas, one I really enjoyed, and I can’t wait to read more of her books! If you’re looking for a steamy and mysterious weekend read, I highly recommend “Dangerous Flames”.

I give this book 4 stars!

Filed Under: Book Review, Dangerous Flames Tagged With: Book review, Books, Dangerous Flames, Romance, Wendy Ely

Would I Write Erotica?

January 23, 2013 16 Comments

SnoopySexyOne of the many reasons I created Chick Lit Goddess is because I’m truly in love with the Chick Lit genre.  From Emily Giffin’s first book, Something Borrowed, I was hooked and didn’t bother looking back.  I loved it then because the characters seemed relatable, even if I was ten years younger than the characters, and it helped me realize that at no matter what age a person is, there will always be relationship issues with our Prince.  Today’s no different, I still love it for the same reason.

Last year I read 30 books and 27 of them were Chick Lit, so right now I’m wanting to spice things up a notch — okay, maybe a little more than just a notch.  I’m talking about reading erotica.  When I read my first erotica novel by Megan Hart, I was very young (much younger than the average woman who reads them), I fell in lust.  Not only did Megan’s book, “Dirty,” make me blush and wonder if I’d ever have that kind of life, it was the writing that I was fascinated by.  How did this author write like this?  Was it from memory of only minutes/hours/days ago, or did all this creativity come strictly by way of imagination?  Could I write like that?  I was a “good  girl” (click HERE to see what I mean) at this time and had only kissed a few boys, so from Megan’s very detailed descriptions, I let my imagination run wild.  It was also a good thing that I was also addicted to soap operas, so I made sure to pay close attention to the intimate scenes.  I began to write.  Yes, I’m saying that I wrote erotica way before I learned about Chick Lit.

Anyway, moving on…

I want to be a published author more than anything, and I understand that doing so takes time.  Fine, I get that, but for some reason, erotica is killing me.  (Though I’m sure that since I’m reading “Midnight Secrets” by Wendy Ely has sparked some of my imagination).  I’m busy right now with edits of books one and two, reading books for blog tours, writing book three, jotting down notes for book four, so is there time to write a/an (short) erotica?  No.  Will I attempt to start this erotica book idea I have had with me for a very long time?  Yes, beginning this weekend!  Erotica!  Just the word itself is sexy.  While out to dinner at our favorite Mexican restaurant, I told my husband that I was considering writing erotica.  Of course, he was very supportive.

For some reason, I find it easier to write an erotic sex scenes than dialogue or conflict.  I’m not saying that by any means it has everything that a published author might have, but I’d like to, at the very least, think that I’m not too far off.  I’ve been thinking about this for a long time, but since I’m very devoted and faithful to the Chick Lit  genre, I don’t want to confuse my readers or followers of Chick Lit Goddess.  This is why when I write erotica, I will use a pseudonym.

**Just a note, I do not want my erotica books to be like “50 Shades of Grey.”  I didn’t think it was as nearly as erotic as anything Megan writes.  (To see my review of “50 Shades of Grey,” and how it compares to anything by Ms. Hart, click HERE).

Filed Under: Isabella Tagged With: "Dirty", "Midnight Secrets", 50 Shades of Grey, Chick-Lit, Megan Hart, Sex, Wendy Ely, Writing erotica

The Next Big Thing: Authors Tagging Authors!

October 19, 2012 18 Comments

Happy Friday, everyone!  Whew!  It’s been a long time since I’ve really blogged and I’ve missed it, and my followers!  Thank you for being patient with me the last few weeks, but it’s been quite a busy time in my work and personal life.  The good thing is that my office is almost finished, so I’ll be a lot more focused hopefully by the end of this month, (YAY!).

And now for something exciting…

Last Friday I was tagged by Jackie Bouchard of Pooch Smooches as part of a blog going around, called “The Next Big Thing.”  It was a pleasure being tagged along with other wonderful authors.  Below are the questions that are given to each other, along with my answers.  While some of them were difficult to answer because I’m (very) shy and don’t like to talk about myself or my books, I had wonderful advice given to me by the ladies of a Facebook group that I started, Chick Lit Goddesses.  We’d love to have you!

What is the working title of your book?  Right now I’m working on edits for my books, “Redefined Dreams” and “The Right Design.”

Where did the idea come from for the book?  I began writing “Redefined Dreams” while taking a creative writing class at Gotham Writers’ Workshop.  One assignment was to start a story with “The window…”  I had no direction at first for it, but I was a newlywed and still had wedding stuff on my mind, so the beginning story was easy, but then the characters started to “speak” to me and soon my characters came to life, as well as a story!

“The Right Design,” it was the beginning of October when I decided that I would participate in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month).  When I sat down to write this book on that first day of November, I knew I wanted my Heroine to be very different from the MC in my first book, but had no clue whatsoever what this book would be about, but that changed very quickly.  I wrote this book as if I were the main character, so I guess you could say that I wrote the book about a life I have/had/wish I had and in some ways, want.  For those of you that know me, I bet you’d be surprised, though only three people have read this book, (one of my closest male friends, my mom and my editor)!

What genre does your book fall under?  Both of my books are a mix of Chick Lit/Romance

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?  I love this question!  My dream is to write a book and have it turned into a movie, even if it’s on Lifetime, (only without Leann Rimes and Eddie Cibrian — if you don’t know the story, HERE is a summary).  For “Redefined Dreams,” I’d have to say that Ashley Williams or Gennifer Goodwin would play Lucy, Eric Dane would play Jackson, and Nathan would played by Channing Tatum.  For “The Right Design,” I would have Katherine Heigl play Carrie, Sandra Bullock to play Sara, Harry Connic Jr. would play Roger, and either Matt Bomer or Colin Egglesfield would play Brad.

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?  What a great question!  “Redefined Dreams” — Have you ever been engaged to a man who turns out to be gay, but you get over it by falling in love with your ex-wedding coordinator’s son, only to end up pregnant with his baby?  “The Right Design” — What’s a better way to get over your cheating ex-boyfrind than to move to new city, only to be tempted by your client and not able to act on it because of the rules you’ve set for yourself, until he makes the first move?

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?  I’m still deciding.  There are both positives and negatives about each choice, but there is one I’m leaning towards and that’s to self-publish!

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?  “Redefined Dreams” took me a full year, March of 2010 to March of 2011.  “The Right Design” took me 30 days in November of 2011!  (Participating in NaNoWriMo was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made).

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?  I’d love for my books to be compared to Emily Giffin’s “Something Blue” and “Something Borrowed.”  Those books are why I wanted to be an author in the first place.  She’s an inspiration!  I think that Emily is the most talented and beloved author in the Chick Lit genre.

Who or What inspired you to write this book?  Like I mentioned before, Emily Giffin is an inspiration, but my husband inspired me write books one and two.  He’s a constant motivator and pushes me to achieve what I think I can’t do, but knows I can.  (Thank you, hubby!)

What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?  My books aren’t just to entertain, but I want my readers to feel like they can relate to my main Heroine and/or the struggle she’s in.  While I write for pleasure, I love to write for others who can finish my book and say, “Wow, that was great,” and the character and/or story sticks with them.

I was only supposed to tag 5, but I have so many awesome author friends that I wanted to include, so I tagged 6.  Next Friday, the 26th, they will have answered the questions and tagged  more authors, and so on.  Be sure to check stay tuned and see who they tag!

Wendy Ely

Elke Feuer

Kristina Knight

Francine LaSala

Sharon Moore

Samantha Robey

Filed Under: Isabella Tagged With: Authors, Books, Elke Feuer, Francine LaSala, Kristina Knight, Redefined Dreams, Samantha Robey, Sharon Moore, The Next Big Thing, The Right Design, Wendy Ely, Writing

Dreaming of Him

June 22, 2012 2 Comments

Book Review for “Dreaming of Him”

“Dreaming of Him,” by Wendy Ely

While awake, Amber is a very lonely woman and her life is at a dead-end.  Nothing can make her feel better, not even a makeover, but it’s different when she’s asleep.  A man from her past, Trace, enters her dreams and sweeps her off her feet.  When Amber wakes up, she realizes that it was a dream (a very hot one), because she knows that Trace is dead.  He tries to communicate with Amber through her dreams and watches over her, wanting her to know just how much she meant to him before he died.  His spirit moves her keys so she won’t be late for work and turns off the lights when she comes home drunk, closing her eyes, aching to be with him.  Only in her dreams, can they fall in love with one another, but he won’t let her go out the easy way to be with him!  That’s when he saves her from making a big mistake…

Admit it, you can’t stop staring at the cover, can you?  Neither can I!  When I won this book, I was thrilled.  Wanting to take break from my normal reads one weekend, I began reading Dreaming of Him.  Right away, I was drawn into a whole new world.  Wendy Ely’s descriptions were written so clear, that I felt as if I were Amber, wanting to dream of Trace!  The storyline was believable, especially for a woman like Amber, who has very little confidence.  I loved Trace!  He was gentle and he didn’t give up on Amber.  While I wish this book wasn’t so short, I loved it because it wasn’t the typical romance book with spirits or ghosts — it’s a true love story!  If you’re looking for a sweet, spicy book over the summer, this is the book for you!

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars!

**Buy the book!:

All Romance

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Google Play

**An interview with the author, Wendy Ely, is coming soon!

Filed Under: Dreaming of Him Tagged With: Book Reviews, Books, Chick-Lit, Dreaming of Him, Erotic, Images, Isabella, Link, Romance Books, Wendy Ely, Writing

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