Cupid’s Beau: #ValentinesDay Read by @Alicia_Dean_

Thank you, Linda, for inviting me to your blog.

While I normally write dark, creepy suspense and paranormal, a few years back, I tried my hand at a light, sweet, humorous story. Even though it was way out of my comfort zone, I was surprised to find that I truly enjoyed writing it. Each year about this time, I dust it off and share it. After all, it IS a Valentine’s Day Romance.

I hope you enjoy this glimpse into “Cupid’s Beau” ~ ON SALE for 99¢
Cupid'a Beau coverBlurb:

Ivy Pierce is a Cupid who prides herself on doing her job well. Except when it comes to a certain human male. Although she doesn’t understand why, each time she’s supposed to shoot her arrow into Grant Crawford’s heart, her stomach hurts, her chest hurts, and she feels….sad. Cupids are never sad.

After Ivy sabotages Grant’s last chance to find true love, her boss, Aphrodite, sends her to Earth to right her wrong. She has until Valentine’s Day to help him find his soul mate. But the more she’s around him, the more she wants him for herself, even though she knows that can never be. A Cupid and a human? Unheard of.

With every beat of her broken heart, the deadline draws closer. Can she sacrifice her own happiness to help the man she loves find his?

Excerpt:

Ivy sat nervously on a fluffy, bejeweled chair, tapping her foot on the cottony floor.

Aphrodite paced in front of her crystal desk, her lovely face drawn in a scowl. “Ivy, is what Meg said true? Did you really ruin Mr. Crawford’s last chance to find love?”

Ivy swallowed a knot of tears. The only thing worse than being a lousy, sneaky Cupid was disappointing Aphrodite. “Yes, ma’am. I did.”

“Why? Why would you do something so…so terrible?”

Ivy shrugged. Misery weighted her shoulders, made her want to sink into a puddle and disappear. “I wasn’t thinking. I just—acted.”

“Your impulsiveness has ruined a man’s life. Do you have any idea how serious this is? How horrible it is for a human to go through life without love?”

Ivy blinked back tears. “I know.”

“He’s a special case, too. Raised his sister on his own after his mother left. Because his father was so busy searching for a love to replace the one he lost, he ignored his children. The two of them grew up lonely, feeling abandoned, with only each other to turn to. That’s why Mr. Crawford is so dead set against love, why he so desperately needs our help. He saw what the search for love did to his father, and he wants no part of it.”

“Yes.” Ivy’s heart ached for the little boy Grant Crawford had been. For the lonely man he’d become. For her role in making him lonely for the rest of his life.

“Love is a powerful emotion. The most powerful of them all. It causes people to do the most outrageous things. But it also brings the most joy, the most satisfaction. More than you can ever imagine.”

“And I’ve stolen that from him. I wish there was something I could do.”

“There is.”

Ivy lifted her head and stared at Aphrodite. “There is? But he only gets three chances, right? That was his third?” In spite of her genuine guilt over what she’d done, the thought he might still find love, might be with some lucky woman, triggered that same unpleasant feeling in the pit of her stomach.

“This is a special circumstance and calls for special measures. The three chance rule is in place for those who continue to throw away the opportunities we give them. If they are too closed off, too jaded, or just too foolish to grab onto love when we give them the chance, then that’s on them. But, you are the one who sabotaged his final chance. As a matter of fact, you are the reason he needed a third chance.”

“I know. I’m sorry. So, we give him more chances? I promise, I won’t interfere again.” She had to keep her promise. No matter how much it hurt.

“Not exactly. We can’t apply the usual method, you’ve seen to that.”

“Then what method?”

Something in Aphrodite’s expression told Ivy she didn’t want to hear about the other method.

“You shall travel to Earth and make sure Mr. Crawford finds love.”

“What? Travel to Earth?” Ivy’s knees weakened. She’d never been beyond the clouds. This was her home. Her sanctuary. Earth was crowded and dirty and dangerous…

Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Cupids-Beau-Sweet-Valentine-Romance-ebook/dp/B00B0JLKP4/

Bio:

I am a suspense and paranormal author in Edmond, Oklahoma, and I have dreamed of being a writer since I was a child. I attempted my first romance at age 10 (featuring a hero who looked just like Elvis Presley), and I still have the tattered, pencil-written copy.

I lead a very busy life, but I manage to find time to read my favorite authors—Michael Connelly, Dennis Lehane, and Lee Child to name a few—and watching (and rewatching) my favorite shows like The Walking Dead, Dexter, Justified, Friends, and too many other sitcoms to name. But, my greatest passion—other than my family—is writing, and I am exceedingly blessed that I get to do what I loves most.

Connect with me online at:

Newsletter sign up: https://www.facebook.com/NovelNotesAuthors
Website: http://aliciadean.com/
Blog: http://aliciadean.com/alicias-blog/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Alicia-Dean-559598754221926/
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Alicia_Dean_
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/aliciamdean/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/468339.Alicia_Dean

In Deep Water with @anitaphilmar #EggcerptExchange

eggsToday’s Eggcerpt Exchange is from In Deep Water, steamy historical romance by Anita Philmar.

In Deep Water coverBlurb:

Skinny-dipping to cool off in the Trinity River couldn’t cause any problem…could it?

Wading into the water, Carolyn Evans takes one step to far and finds herself neck­-deep in the river and fighting for her life.

After saving Carolyn from drowning, Zack Goodman is trapped in an awkward situation when they’re both rescued by a steamboat and hauled on deck.

Naked and embarrassed, Carolyn is quick to save them from humiliation and claims they are married.

Will Zack release her from her claim of matrimony? Or will he teach her once words are spoken…they are not so easily retracted?

Excerpt:

“Okay everyone, the excitement is over. Let’s give this young couple some room to breathe. They must be feeling a might peckish after their swim.” The man waved his hands about to force the onlookers back.

“You youngins follow me. I’ll show you to a cabin and then rustle you up…”

“Hey Captain, ain’t you afraid to leave them two alone?” An older man called out.

“Nay, she looks like she fell down in a sticker patch and the cows ran over her. He’ll be lucky if he’s not stuck in the doghouse for days.” Another man heckled.

The crowd burst into laughter.

Zack tightened his hold on the girl in his arms and they turned to follow the Captain.

Brushing back her hair, the girl tightened her hold on her blanket and strutted through the crowd with her head held high.

Zack, pleased she hadn’t dissolved into tears, smiled at the people gathered up on deck and followed her as the Captain led the way inside.

After weaving their way through the bowels of the steamboat, the Captain paused by a door marked private. “Y’all sit a spell in here while I find clothes to fit you. We’re due to arrive at Liberty here in…” He pulled his watch out of his front pocket and read the time. “Shouldn’t be too long now. I’ll send someone along here in a bit with some clothes. Though, I’m not too sure what we’ll be able to rustle up for the lady.”

“I ain’t really picky at the moment.” The girl bit her lip and settled on the edge of the cot that was positioned against the far wall of the cabin.

The Captain smiled and offered a curt nod to Zack. Then the man stepped through the door, closing it behind him.

Find at Amazon, Smashwords, and All Romance Books.

Anita’s Interview with her heroine, Carolyn Evans.

What do you do for a living?
I’m a teacher for the children in Naked Bluff, Texas.

What is your favorite place to visit?
Atlanta, but it’s not the same as it once was.

Are you single or married?
I was married but my husband died in the war.

What is worst fear or nightmare?
To live a boring life. I like adventure.

Are you wealthy, poor, or somewhere in between?
I believe it’s all on your point of view. I know people who are wealthy but are miserable and poor people who are happy. Me, I chose to be happy.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Want to feel more?
Read Anita Philmar

To learn more — visit her website or blog.

Website: http//www.anitaphilmar.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/anita.philmar
My blog: http://anitaphilmar.blogspot.com
Twitter: @anitaphilmar