Meet Dakota Madison, Author of Community Service

One World Singles Magazine Blog is delighted to welcome Dakota Madison, author of Community Service, a contemporary romance novel. Dakota has made our Blog one of her stops on her Virtual Book Tour.

Blur:

As Maggie Mitchell enters her final semester of college, the last thing she wants is a guy in her life, let alone two of them.

Her new lab partner, Sawyer Reed, is still the overconfident and sexy jock that made fun of her in high school. The only thing that has changed is that he now uses a wheelchair, the result of a skiing accident.
Jude Marino is a hot actor who all the girls want and would do anything to get. He works at a local theater where Maggie has been assigned to complete community services hours after rear-ending a police car.

Both Sawyer and Jude want Maggie but only one of them will be able to capture her heart.

Book Excerpt:

 “Looking for a lab partner?” I heard a voice say from behind. The voice sounded familiar but I couldn’t quite place it.

When I turned around, I was surprised to see Sawyer Reed staring at me. I hadn’t seen him since high school. He was a year older than me but I still knew who he was. Everyone in school knew Sawyer Reed. He was a popular jock who all the kids adored. He still had the same boyish good looks that I remembered so well. And the same sexy little grin that could light up any room. And the same killer green eyes that would drive girls wild. The only thing that was different, and it was really different, was that he was in a wheelchair.

It completely floored me.

I had the biggest crush on Sawyer Reed. I think every girl in our school did. It was hard not to. He could charm the pants off of any girl in a matter of minutes, and usually did, or so I heard. I wasn’t a girl that guys wanted to charm the pants off when I was in high school. I was awkward bordering on geeky. My mom called me a late bloomer.

 

And I definitely wasn’t on Sawyer’s radar…

Except when we were on the school bus. Every day when he passed by me on his way to the back of the bus, he’d call me Freaky Four Eyes. Not that I didn’t deserve the moniker. For some reason, when I was a teenager, I thought it was a good idea to wear Marilyn Monroe Cat Eye glasses. Not that I looked anything like Marilyn Monroe. In high school, I had frizzy brown hair and the body of a 12-year-old boy. I could have been called the antithesis of Marilyn Monroe, if there was such a thing. But I sure loved those glasses.

I didn’t think there was any way that Sawyer would remember me. I looked a lot different than I did in high school. I found product, so my long brown hair now fell into controlled waves and I wore contacts. I’d also filled out a little. I was still no Marilyn Monroe in the curves department but I had a decent 

figure.

And why would he remember some younger girl he teased on the bus anyway?

Author Bio - Dakota Madison has been writing since she learned to read and fell in love with books. When she's not at her computer creating spicy new romances, Dakota is traveling to exotic locales or spending time with her husband and their bloodhounds.

Giveaway - During this tour, there will be a tour-wide giveaway for a $10 Amazon Gift Card.  

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

Connect with Dakota Madison on her Facebook Fan Page or on her Blog

Links - Get your copy of Community Service at Amazon and Smashwords

Special Announcement

Hello friends, family, and supporters! I need your help! I have just entered my book into UBAWA’S Best Book Cover Contest. Please help me take home the prize by “liking” my photo after clicking on the following link:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=603489603070077&set=a.603489279736776.1073741849.100002271297049&type=3&permPage=1

I appreciate your support!

VOTING BEGINS TODAY AT 6 PM EST. The author whose book cover receives the most "likes" will receive $100, a free book review, and homepage feature. VOTING ENDS March 30th. Grand Prize Winner will be announced on Monday March 31st.

Questions You Should Never Ask On Your First Date by Miss Know It All

Dating can be defined as a social engagement between two people, which often has a romantic character. When you go out on a date, you would most likely know something about the person, but if you meet someone online, you really know nothing about this individual, except for what you read in their personal profile.  If you decide to go out with that unfamiliar person, there are certain questions you should avoid asking until you have dated that individual for a while, have gotten to know that man or woman and believe your rapport with this person will develop into something special.

If you are seeking a lifetime partner, think before you start to bombard the person with personal inquiries. Unless you want to scare your date away, never ask the following questions or engage in certain conversations, which may result in an uncomfortable outcome:

How much money do you make?

Tell me something about your family.

How many children would you like to have?

Are your parents still married?

Don’t ask anything about past relationships.

Avoid talking about politics, religion.

Try to listen and direct the dialogue in a comfortable manner, so that the person talks about him or herself. People enjoy those who listen. By paying attention, you may not have to ask a horde of inquiries. You could ask what type of movies the person enjoys, the music they love to listen to or what hobbies he or she enjoy doing in their spare time.

Dating does not necessarily mean you are going to marry that person or become romantically involved after your first, second or third get-together. It just means you are going through a getting to know you stage, which may or may not lead to a happily ever after ending.

Meet Demelza Carlton, Author of Water and Fire

We are delighted to introduce you to Demelza Carlton who has made us one of her stops during her Virtual Book Tour. She is the author of Water and Fire, a steamy contemporary medical romance involving a sexy doctor, a naughty nurse, a midwife on a mission and a mysterious predator in Albany, Western Australia.

Working as a student midwife in an Australian country hospital is never easy, but Belinda finds more trouble than most.

There's the intern doctor who follows her around like an overgrown puppy, the dangerous local wildlife and her own secrets she must keep.

When she finds herself without a place to live, what else can possibly go wrong?

Or is it time for something to go right?

Following are two excerpts from Water and Fire:

Excerpt No. 1

I touched my fingers to his shoulder to steady myself before reaching for my drink.

His face split in a wide grin beneath his ocean-deep eyes. "I think you've had enough. What'll you give me for it?"

I shrugged. "What do you want for it?"

His smile shrank, becoming more thoughtful. "You could start with a kiss."

I looked into those yearning, deep-water eyes of a man who seemed all fire. It's been a long time, but I think I still remember how.

I cautiously touched my lips to his. His mouth was open, so the draught of his breath cooled my lips for the briefest moment before I pulled away.

"Fuck that!" He strode to the coffee table and clunked the glasses down. His hands were empty for barely a moment before they were splayed warmly on my back. "Belinda. That's not a kiss."

I moved with him as he pulled me closer, one of his hands travelling up to the back of my neck as the other drifted down to the small of my back. I leaned in closer still.

He bowed his head as I tilted mine up. I wet my lips and parted them, feeling fear for the first time. Perhaps I have forgotten how to do this. This is a stupid idea.

He pressed his mouth to mine, layering our lips as we shared a breath. His smiling blue eyes drooped to show blue-veined lids as his tongue stroked mine.

I haven't forgotten. This is new and I'm going to…I'm going to…

His shoulders were smooth beneath my questing fingers, his lips warm and responsive as I deepened my kiss. I felt his chuckle rumble through both of us, though I couldn't see him with my eyes closed. He tasted of whiskey with a hint of chocolate and I wanted more…

"Now that's a kiss."

Excerpt No. 2

His coffee clunked loudly to the table, the contents of the cup slopping around like the storm swell in the port that morning.

"I swear it's some kind of crazy conspiracy. Now the Nannup Tiger's broken a man's leg – or someone's pulling mine."

I looked up in surprise as Aidan slumped into the seat across from me. His hair was tufted and on end again. He took a slurp of coffee. For the first time, he looked annoyed.

"How can an extinct creature break a man's leg?" I asked calmly.

"Murray Piesse, a dairy farmer from over Elleker way. Swore he saw a thylacine on his lawn, drinking from the bird bath. So he grabbed a camera and went out into the dark after it. The beast disappeared, if it ever existed at all. Murray stumbled over a tree stump or something in the dark and broke his leg. He managed to crawl back up to the house by morning to call for help. The ambulance brought him in." Aidan's brows met over his nose as he gulped down more coffee.

"I wonder if he got a photo of it…" I mused.

Aidan snorted, then choked as he got coffee up his nose. It took him a few minutes before he could do anything but splutter, so I waited without speaking. "Do you honestly believe him? Or are you making fun of me, too?"

I wet my lips. "I believe it's possible – he might have seen a thylacine," I replied carefully. "But I'd want to see pictures or the beast itself before I'd believe it for sure."

He looked hard at me, as if he was trying to decide if I was telling the truth. Finally, he spoke again. "Thing is, if Murray really did see the Nannup Tiger, it was headed toward my place. I live next door to him in Elleker and it's all bush except where the house is. If the beast's out there, it could be hunting my place at night, and it's just me out there."

"If you're so scared of the Tiger, don't go out at night then," I replied lightly. "Besides, it doesn't sound like the Tiger was the real danger for Mr Piesse, but the tree stump he tripped over. Take a torch if you go outside at night and you should be fine."

"I do that already," Aidan grumbled. His expression cleared. "You could come up any night you're free and watch for the Tiger, if you like. A proper stakeout. Maybe we could discover an extinct species in my backyard." He looked hopeful.

I forced a smile. "No, thank you. We'd probably just see a lot of darkness and no Tiger, or freeze if it's a clear, cold night."

"I wouldn't let you get cold. I'd keep you warm, Belinda," he replied instantly, the sound of longing in his voice.

About the Author

Demelza Carlton has always loved the ocean, but on her first snorkelling trip she found she was afraid of fish.

She has since swum with sea lions, sharks and sea cucumbers and stood on spray-drenched cliffs over a seething sea as a seven-metre cyclonic swell surged in, shattering a shipwreck below.

Sensationalist spin? No - Demelza tends to take a camera with her so she can capture and share the moment later; shipwrecks, sharks and all.

Demelza now lives in Perth, Western Australia, the shark attack capital of the world.

The Ocean's Gift series was her first foray into fiction, followed by the Nightmares trilogy.

Purchase links

Amazon

Apple

Barnes and Noble

Diesel 

Kobo

Sony

Smashwords

Contact links

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Goodreads

YouTube

Amazon

Additional Information on Water and Fire

Excerpt Reading (Chapter 1)

The teaser trailer 

The official book trailer

Character profile of Belinda 

& & & &

National Park Foundation Releases “I Heart Parks,” Free Online Guide to Romantic Getaways in Your National Parks

Photo Credit: Everglades National Park: Jesse Kunerth/Shutterstock 

The National Park Foundation, the official charity of America's national parks, released the fourth special edition in its popular Owner's Guide series, "I Heart Parks." Park lovers, romantics, and trip planners alike will all enjoy the 15 great suggestions for spending quality time with your one-and-only in America's national parks. Each park profiled provides tips ranging from planning an engagement or wedding to simply indulging in a night away together.

"From sunsets and sunrises, to jazz concerts and bike rides, the unique trip suggestions in their latest Owner's Guide, ‘I Heart Parks,' reflect the incredibly diverse experiences America's national parks can offer no matter the occasion," said Neil Mulholland, President and CEO of the National Park Foundation.

Photo Credit: Joshua Tree National Park: Sierralara/Shutterstock

The "I Heart Parks" guide helps park lovers find the solitude and space to reconnect with each other and with their favorite parks. Suggestions include a walk down Lovers' Lane in Golden Gate National Recreation Area, a picnic lunch on the National Mall, a relaxing boat ride along the mangrove coast of Everglades National Park, an intimate wedding in Acadia National Park, and much more.

Visit www.nationalparks.org/iheartparks to download a free copy of “I Heart Parks.” There, visitors will also have access to other great free resources from the National Park Foundation including the original Owner's Guide - a comprehensive guidebook to America's more than 400 national parks.

For more information on the National Park Foundation and how you can support and protect America's national parks, please visit www.nationalparks.org.

About The National Park Foundation

The National Park Foundation, the official charity of America's national parks, raises private funds that directly aid, support, and enrich America's more than 400 national parks and their programs. Chartered by Congress as the nonprofit partner of the National Park Service, the National Park Foundation plays a critical role in conservation and preservation efforts, establishing national parks as powerful learning environments, and giving all audiences an equal and abundant opportunity to experience, enjoy, and support America's treasured places.

Join them

This is Your Land
Facebook
Twitter

&&&

Media Contact: Alanna Sobel, National Park Foundation, 202.354.6486, asobel@nationalparks.org

Upcoming Events for Authors and Readers

For additional information on each event, please visit the sites.

Romance Slam Jam Conference in New Orleans, May 7-11. Visit www.romanceslamjam.org.

Romantic Times Booklovers Convention in New Orleans, May 13-18. Visit www.rtconvention.com.

Frederick Book Festival in Frederick, Md., June 27-28. Visit frederickbookfestival.com.

Romance Writers of America Readers for Life Literacy Autographing in San Antonio, July 23. Visit www.rwa.org.

Reserve your booth for the 2014 Fall UBAWA Fall Book Fair today at http://www.ubawa.org/2014-exhibitor-pre-registration-form.html - The Annual Book Fair will take place on September 27, 2014.

 

A.C. Arthur's 3rd Reader Appreciation Event at Walt Disney World, Aug. 29-Sept. 1. Visit acarthur.net.

Authors of Interracial Romance and their fans will host a five-night Caribbean Cruise, departing from Fort Lauderdale on Sept. 6. Visit the Facebook Events page.

Weekend with Author Yvette Hines in Virginia Beach, Sept. 26-27. Visit yvettehines.com.

Building Relationships Around Books Online Book Club hosts a Readers Retreat Southern Affair in Atlanta, Oct. 10-11. Visit brabonline.ticketleap.com.

* * *

If you have an event coming up, please let us know. Since we book our posts sometimes three months in advance, please summit your event at least three months prior to the happening. Thank you. Send information to hmcsromanceinternational@juno.com and the subject line, type: Event Information.

Meet Stella Eromonsere-Ajanaku, Author of Stolen Valentine Kiss

Stolen Valentine Kiss by Stella Eromonsere-Ajanaku

Publication Date: Feb 1st 2014

ISBN/EAN 13: 1495237931/9781495237935 (Paperback)

Genre / Categories: Fiction/Romance/Contemporary/Interracial/Multicultural

One broken heart. Two grieving minds.

To Lorna Ibe, Departmental Manager with one of London's multi-channel retailers, Valentine's Day lost its romantic flavour years ago. An unplanned holiday to New Jersey is her perfect getaway from the stress and emotional turmoil locked in her heart, just what she needs to take her mind off her troubles. That's until she runs into Logan.

Magazine publisher, Logan Blake has had his fair share of stress in the past few years. When his sister asks him to drop off old clothes to charity, he has a minor accident in front of the charity shop where Lorna volunteers. When he sets eyes on her bare midriff as she wipes the display window, he clears his busy schedule to volunteer his time. Two burdened hearts afraid to get entwined.

One Stolen Valentine Kiss. Will Valentine season bring them romance or will their fears keep them apart?

Logan's left arm draped round her waistline as if he couldn't bear to be away from her. ''Are you trying to make a few women jealous?'' Lorna breathed in his ear, nearly tempted to nibble his fair earlobe.

''Why do you say that?'' he whispered back, his gaze darting towards the couple standing a few yards from them.

''Too many women have given me knife edge glances already. I feel the sharp end of their stinging glare. As I don't know them...I can only conclude they want you...and they think am standing in their way.'' A cool smile passed her lips. She shivered when his breath caressed her eyelids. His fingers, cleverly hidden from view stroked beneath her ribs absently, giving her undeniable pleasure.

''Are you bothered, Lorna?''

She tried to stand upright, but her knees still buckled. One hand reached for his abdomen. Oh, it was as taut as she expected with ridges but she didn't bargain for the piping hot desire shooting through her arm.

Snatching her seared hand away, she sucked in air. ''Should I be? Is there any one of these glamorous women you fancy? I can arrange for her to come over?'' Arabella approached with a pretty blonde woman in tow.

''Logan, meet Isabella. She's a doctor in Christ Hospital. I've told her a lot about you. Isabella, keep Logan happy for awhile," she instructed. Logan's face showed no expression.

With a nod at her brother, she tapped Lorna's hand reassuringly. 'I'll borrow Lorna for a few minutes." Before Logan could respond, she hurried off, introducing her to her circle of friends. ''What do you do?'' Arabella asked after almost ten minutes of circulating among her guests. Lorna’s cheeks hurt from constantly smiling at people who didn’t give a wink about her presence at the party. She hasn't been in such a large gathering since...

Arabella nudged her. ''Are you dreaming about my brother?'' her eyes flashed angrily as they entered what must be a guest bedroom. Lorna's eyes darted round, her brain suddenly registering the other woman's intention.

''Do I look dreamy?'' she replied equally sarcastically.

''What do you do, Lorna?'' the room decorated in neutral colours of magnolia and beige soothed her wary nerves.

''Are you asking out of interest or spite?'' she retorted.

Arabella’s deep blue eyes narrowed with simmering hostility, but she quickly averted her gaze, shielding her expression. ''You're a guest in my home. I want to get to know you.'' She nodded. ''I volunteer at the cancer charity store but I...''

''Is that where you met my brother?'' the other woman cut in sharply.

''Yes, if you must know. Is our pep-talk going to be about Logan? You plan on warning me to stay off him, right?'' her gaze raked Arabella's flesh.

Logan's elder sister sat down on the bed, her chest heaving. ''Look here, Lorna. I know Logan may have shown a little interest in you for the moment, but trust me, you're not his type. He needs a woman with...wealth, a true professional.''

''Does he know you're bent on securing him a wife?'' she countered tartly. Arabella's gaze mirrored barely disguised anger for a split second.

''What do you expect me to do? Watch him marry just any woman? Oh no! Logan deserves a woman who can fit into his world.''

I am Stella Eromonsere-Ajanaku, a fun loving mother of two, married to my very own gorgeous alpha male. I recently 'retired' from an eighteen stint working as a Quality Assurance Manager. Writing romance novels is an exciting adventure.

In 2010, I created Flirty & Feisty Romance Novels. There are six contemporary romance novels in the kitty, varying from sweet & sensual to spicy hot & steamy - LOITERING SHADOWS, STORMY DEFENSE, BEYOND the LADY, THE GARDNER'S ICE MAIDEN, SPARKLING DAWN and HUSBAND to RENT. STOLEN VALENTINE KISS is my first series and my first Novella.

On my writing desk at the moment, my first historical romance, a trilogy is taking shape. A daunting challenge I must confess, but I love the characters and their journey so far. In my leisure time, I go swimming, read romance novels, go to Cinema, and watch TV.

Website | Smashwords | Amazon | Follow us on Twitter | Follow us on Facebook

Stolen Valentine Kiss on Amazon.com

Stolen Valentine Kiss on Amazon.co.uk

Stolen Valentine Kiss on Smashwords

Stolen Valentine Kiss - paperback

The book tour includes a giveaway of a $15 Amazon Gift card and ebooks.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Retribution Unleashed is No. 66

I am happy to announce that my book, Retribution Unleashed, was No. 66 on UBAWA's (Urban Books, Authors, & Writers of America) top 100 Books of 2013. Thank you UBAWA and to all my friends and readers who have supported me. :)

Retribution Unleashed is available on Kindle and in Paperback. Enjoy!

Kindle

Paperback  

FIAF & Ciné Institute Present Haitian Filmmakers Annual Benefit

The New Year brings with it a fresh opportunity to celebrate and support a growing generation of Haitian filmmakers at Ciné Institute's annual benefit, Haiti Optimiste.

This year's event will be held on Thursday, February 20th in New York City. Last year they sold out so they recommend you purchase your tickets as soon as possible in order to secure a seat.

Please go to Ticketmaster to make your purchase.

The Million Dollar Black & White Gala: A Charity Fundraising Event

You Are Invited to An evening filled with excitement, opportunities, fun, and stimulating growth...and surprises on Saturday, March 29, 2014 at 7:00 PM - Sunday, March 30, 2014 at 12:00 AM (CDT) at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites, 1310 E. Wintergreen Rd., Desoto, Texas 75115.

The gala will bring all important business, entertainment, and young professionals together and build networks. Black Access Granted would like to recognize each and every one of these individuals for their great accomplishments.

The evening will be filled with:

A fabulous dining setting A delightful menu Red Carpet Paparazzi Pictures Live Prime Interviews Special Celebrity Guests (Speakers & Performances) Fabulous Fashion Show Live Jazz Band Casino Games For More Information:  Email: blackaccessgranted@gmail.com or visit Black Access Granted

Stories That Make Perfect Gifts for Valentine’s Day by Miss Know It All

If you are stumped as to what to get the love of your life on Valentine’s Day, why not give books that explore romance, love, and relationships. What better way to spend the day, relaxing in bed or in front of the fireplace reading to each other. Who knows, the stories may be a prelude to unforgettable lovemaking.

Following are eight titles that will bring more passion and romance into your lives and at the same time say, “Happy Valentine’s Day to My Soul Mate.”

Café Mocha by Vivienne Diane Neal

My Heart In Seoul by Sydney Arrison

Next Time Lucky- Lessons of a Matchmaker by Siggy Buckley

Don’t Do What We Did by Michelle Y. Talbert and Ricardo Kingsbury

The Forbidden Secrets of the Goody Box by Valerie J. Lewis Coleman

101 Behaviors a Guy Needs to Understand about his Woman by Jaymes Ian Woode

Secrets of a Kept Woman by Shani Greene-Dowdell

Mocha Chocolate: Taste A Piece of Ecstasy edited by Shani Greene-Dowdell

Have a Happy Valentine’s Day!

Intimate Acts Can Have Dire Consequences by Miss Know It All

There are certain intimate acts that should never come to light. They should be for you and your mate’s eyes only.  But what happens when your most private videos or pictures are suddenly exposed for the whole world to see? It can wreck havoc on your personal, family and business life for years to come. Once a loving relationship is over, sometimes anger and retribution can rear its ugly head.

Don’t ever assume that explicit photos or videos taken by your lover will remain locked in a vault, never to be seen by anyone. With the height of the digital age, it seems to be a free for all when it comes to uploading explicit images by jilted lovers. Even if the relationship ended on a good note, there is no guarantee that your image will not show up on some sleazy site.

This trend is known as Revenge Porn. People will upload images taken either recently or eons ago on sites, which are promoting and profiting from this type of conduct at the victim’s expense. Women are primarily marred by this act, especially younger females since they are more likely to be knowledgeable and involved with the workings of modern technology, posting pictures of themselves on social networks to either gratify their boyfriends or just for the fun of it.

Protecting yourself against future humiliation is extremely important. No matter how much you adore your mate, avoid recording sexual acts or taking photos while engaging in sex or in any other intimate situations. Today you are madly in love, but tomorrow you might be mad at each other. There is no way to know if a person will use your image for lewd purposes.

Presently, New Jersey is the only state that has a law against uploading an image on the Internet without the other person’s consent.

Never e-mail or upload sexually explicit photos to online dating sites, social networks or chat rooms. Someone can easily forward those images, which can land into the wrong hands or possibly into your employer’s inbox.

Recording sex acts secretly and without the other party’s permission is illegal. If you suspect that an individual has videotaped you without your consent, you can call the police and have law enforcement go to his or her place and confiscate that tape.

If someone has uploaded your image without your authorization, consult a lawyer; he or she can write a cease and desist letter to the offender and to the site profiting from your picture, demanding that the image be removed or legal actions will follow.   

Be careful what you upload on the Internet. Remember, once your image is in cyberspace, it is there forever.

To Satisfy Your Palate, There is B. Smith’s Restaurant By Vivienne Diane Neal

Recently, I had the opportunity to join Ms. Precious L. Williams, founder of CurvyGirlz Lingerie and her group for brunch at B. Smith’s Restaurant, and it was a great treat. We were also lucky to meet the owner, Mrs. B. Smith, who joined us for brunch, and it was such a delight to have a woman of such elegance and style to grace us with her presence, giving us advice on dating, love, romance and marriage.

The restaurant is serene and welcoming; the food is phenomenal, and the service is extraordinary. You can sit and enjoy a leisurely meal without feeling rushed. I ordered the chicken and waffles, which was delicious, and I had a taste of the red velvet cake, which was scrumptious. I was going to order two slices to take home, but the restaurant ran out of the dessert. That explains why the cake is so popular.

Nevertheless, a great time was had by all. So if you are looking for down home southern cooking in a relaxing and pleasant setting, then B. Smith’s Restaurant is the place to explore. For more information, visit their site at http://bsmith.com

Address:

B. Smith’s Restaurant

320 West 46 Street

New York, NY  10036

Phone: 212-315-1100

Things You Can Do To Make Your Life Happy in 2014

Subscribe to this Blog and leave your comments.

Share this Blog with your friends, relatives, and associates.

Do what you thought you could never do.

Share information with others.

Have a good sense of humor and laugh at the most serious things.

Listen to music that makes you feel good.

Surround yourself with positive people, and leave the negative ones along the roadside.

Appreciate the people who have always been by your side through the good and bad times.

Do the things you love without explaining your reasons to others.

Love the fact that you can still have fun even if you have health related issues.

Enjoy life to the fullest.

One World Singles Magazine Blog Team