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Welcome to my blog! Pull up a chair, grab a cup of coffee and read what's on my mind. I've a vicious sense of humor, an apprecation for romance and a mad addiction to writing.

Friday, February 17, 2012

Winter Blog Festival! Tara Manderino's, HEART QUEST

Welcome! Popping in for the first time? Well, it’s all about finding the best and affordable books out there during A Writer’s Mind’s, 99. CENT EBOOK WINTER FESTIVAL continues with author Tara Manderino.

Author Tara Manderino loves to create stories and situations for the people running around in her head. She first began writing in third grade when she realized she couldn't afford her reading habit.

She writes and is published in a variety of genres and finds that each one is her favorite at the time. Her books are available at a variety of online retailers.

Tara resides in her native town in southwestern Pennsylvania. When she’s not chasing Lydia, the boxer, she’s writing her own stories, or reading, Tara likes to bake, watch old movies, and do a variety of crafts.

Visit Tara at her Website. Find Tara on Facebook and Twitter.

Tara will be featuring two of her titles today!

HEART QUEST

With one week to find the stolen stone from the Heart of Egypt, Luke Hayden, one of the premiere agents of the 1874 US Secret Service, travels in disguise across the continent When he learns Maj Bentzer, a woman he’s loved in the past, plays a key role in the stone’s disappearance, he’s not sure he can trust his instincts.

Purchase Heart Quest at Amazon and Smashwords.

TAKING CHANCES

A gung ho PR person in charge of getting a reclusive country western singer to perform live at a small function is responsible for him possibly losing his ranch for children. Tyler Davidson would rather deal with a large concert hall audience than come face to face with a few people. Such thoughts are beyond Abie Halloway’s thinking, but as she learns to understand what the ranch means to Tyler and comes to care for him in this sweet romance / inspirational, she realizes she does not want to be the one to cause his downfall.

Excerpt:

“Ms. Halloway.” Ty’s deep voice floated from behind her. She didn’t even have to look to see if it was indeed him speaking. Just as his singing voice was so distinctive, so was his speaking voice. Now that she had heard it, she doubted she would forget it.

“What brings you here?”

“Abie, please.” At his nod, she continued. “I brought over the contract…” Her words tapered and died off as his face instantly settled to stone.

“Then you’ve wasted your time, Ms. Halloway.” He touched the tip of his hat, then turned on his heel to walk away.

Nobody walked away from her. She started after him. “Tyler! At least look at the contract.”

He stopped and turned. His expression not softening one iota. “I. Don’t. Do. Small.” Each word was bit out in precise syllables. If Abie had less self-confidence, she would have wilted on the spot. Instead of backing away, she pulled the contract from her jacket pocket and held it out to him.”Read it. Think about it.” She held it out, but he didn’t take it. Never had she imagined that his eyes could get any steelier looking. The paper vibrated in the air between them. He took a step closer and it took everything in her power not to back up.

“Ms. Halloway, I appreciate your determination, but it’s wasted here.”

“Tell me why.” If he opened up to her, just a little, she might have a something to work with. Might have a better understanding of what would entice him to sign. She swatted away the niggling thought that she would know something about the man himself; that wasn’t important. Still, it was strange that he refused to do benefits. He didn’t seem to mind concerts. She had seen his bookings for that.

Tyler gave her a hard edged glare. “I don’t do benefits.” He took her by the arm and turned her back toward the drive, where her car was parked.

She tried to yank her arm from his grasp, but it was a band of steel.

Her eyes narrowed in thought. Maybe the good ol’ boy act he used before, the whole church bit even, was nothing but a ruse. This must be the real Tyler Davidson. The literal strong arm tactics, the screaming. If she were a reporter she knew she would definitely follow the story, but since she wasn’t, she would worry about her own problem – getting Tyler to sign the contract.

“I told you, Cayla, stuff it! I don’t want to hear another word from your mouth tonight.” The harsh female voice pierced the air.

Tyler abruptly stopped, pulling Abie to a halt beside him. She glanced at his face and froze at the expression. He had been stony before. Now he was downright menacing.

Not even seeming aware of his grip on her arm, or even that she was still attached, Tyler headed for the girls’ dorm, practically dragging Abie with him. She tugged her arm free when they stood outside the door, and he looked down at her in surprise, as if not sure how she came to be there. His attention was immediately drawn back to the problem at hand when they again heard raised voices – much louder this time. He yanked open the door and was inside in a moment. Abie followed.

Purchase Taking Chances at Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Smashwords ~ Kobo Books ~ Apple Itunes ~ Sony

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Very nice to read about Tara's books, new to me. They sound great.
tessa.bamberg@kolumbus.fi