Chapter 1 Rigs looked at the email again. ‘Meet me at the Java Cupid Coffee Shop @ 9:30 tomorrow.' He looked at his watch 09:20. He had ten minutes. He looked around the parking lot noticing the potential for attack. No security cameras, but the lines of sight to the glass front of the building were clear. So while an attack is possible, witnesses could be plentiful. Still with enough cars, not ideal from a security standpoint. This was why he needed a website. So he could help clients like this coffee shop know how to be more secure. Rigs stepped into Java Cupid Coffee Shop. Stupid name if you asked him, but it was a longtime favorite in Mystery Canyon, and it did have the best coffee in town. It had all those frou-frou coffee drinks. Rigs’ choice was large black. That came from all those years in the service. His time in the Navy made him survey the room carefully, though others would never realize he’d sized them up. He knew who could be a threat and who would likely get in the way if there was a need for action. As he stepped toward the counter, Rigs identified his target. The woman was prettier than the photo he’d seen on her website. She was already seated and fully focused on her computer. Her concentration concerned him. She needed to be more aware of her surroundings. But then again, she was a civilian woman. He was unable to tell what type of laptop it was as there was a cover with a picture on it. Looked like some sort of a flower was on fire to him. “Welcome to Java Cupid Coffee Shop, where we heart coffee. How can I serve you today?” Jeb’s smile wasn’t natural. Overly bleached teeth behind a light mocha complexion that didn’t reveal his lineage. Was the young man African-American or Hispanic? Rigs couldn’t determine. The boy looked healthy and vigorous, but not a threat. Rigs looked at the young man’s name. “Large black coffee, please, Jeb.” “Sure thing.” Rigs held his phone up to the credit machine and paid for the drink. As the barista went to pour his coffee, Rigs turned his attention back to the woman. Lori Melnick, of Melnick Web Design. There had been some sort of tag line, but Rigs couldn’t remember it. It was a needless detail not worth the effort. Or read more...
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In my continuing quest to find you good books and new authors to read I've got a new review for you. Okay, so it's just a reason to spend time reading instead of writing, but you have to admit it's a good one, at least for you. E. Ayers is a new author for me. I found her on Facebook as I was scanning the groups I'm in. Most likely I was posting about my books, but we won't go there. I love historical romance, always have an always will. So I decided to download A Rancher's Request. I'm glad I did.
Eventually, Zadie heads to Creed's Crossing. She and Duncan don't marry right off the bat. There is no insta-love here. Instead, it's them trying to get to know each other and Zadie learning how to live on a farm. Just as they seem to be making headway to marriage a complication takes Zadie back home. And that's all I'm going to give you of the story. I want you to head over to Amazon and either buy or KU download the book. It's very good. Ms. Ayers has done her research into the era. I'll be reading more of her books. You should too. A Rancher's Request Don't forget... Java Priority comes out July 20
I'm a day late letting you know about this contest but that's typical. It's a chance for you to win a bunch of Western Romances. These are ebooks. I'm not sure if there are other formats than Kindle. Mine and George McVey's are only that format. Click here to enter.
Even with the bump of Chelsea’s message, the day had been a good one. Lori’s client had liked the website she’d built and decided to add several more pages. Charlie had hugged her, hard, as she was leaving Java Cupid. Lori had texted Rigs asking if he could grill. The thumbs’ up emoji she’d gotten in return had made her smile. Now, she was sprinkling the pork chops she’d purchased with spice so they’d be ready for the grill when Rigs arrived. Lori had on a pair of white Capri pants and a button-down top with large flowers. White lace flats with rubber soles made a soft padding sound as she moved around the kitchen. Sweet potatoes, applesauce, and asparagus would complete the meal. She’d made triple chocolate chip cookies for dessert. There was beer and her diet cola in the fridge. The table was laid with the settings with the corner between them. Lori wanted a more intimate feel than them being across from each other. The bud vase with the blooming coral rose decorated the table with a squat candle in front ready to light. Now all she needed was Rigs. Glancing at the clock at the same moment the doorbell rang, made her smile. Lori looked into the black window of the microwave doing a quick check of her hair before she went to open the door. “Hi,” Lori said, suddenly bashful. She stepped back to allow Rigs to come in. Today, Rigs had a bottle of wine in his hand. He set it on the small table next to the door and pulled Lori to him. “Hi, beautiful.” He placed a gentle kiss on her lips, then seemed to study her face. Whatever he saw must have satisfied him because he smiled. “Thanks for inviting me to dinner.” Lori guffawed. “I seem to remember that you invited yourself.” She grabbed the wine bottle and headed to the kitchen, knowing Rigs would follow. “Oh, so I did. You agreed to it though, so that was sort of an invitation.” Lori dug out her corkscrew and held it out to him. He quirked his lips, took the bottle from her and untwisted the cap. “It’s not that expensive a wine.” Rigs chuckled. “Or that old. It’s good though, at least for my unsophisticated pallet.” Lori got a couple of wine glasses out and allowed him to pour. She took a sniff, swirled the liquid in the glass, and made a show of slurping air into her mouth. “An excellent bouquet. Hints of oak and cherry with a tiny bit of spice.” “What?” Rigs just looked confused. Lori laughed. “I saw that in a movie once. Or something like that. I haven’t a clue what they were talking about.” They busied themselves with dinner preparations, Rigs doing the grilling outside while Lori completed the rest of the meal. Just as she was lighting the candle, he brought the platter with the chops in from the backyard. As they ate, Rigs told Lori about his plan to contact his daughter. “I hope she wants to develop a relationship with you, Rigs.” Lori reached over and squeezed his hand that was lying on the table. “Well, we’ll see. I hope so too. I know I’ll never be Dad to her. I lost that when I chose to stay in the Navy. Eric raised her, and her brother, well. I just wish I could be more in her life. I didn’t get that chance with Mark. Didn’t really take it, even when I got out of the Service. Now, I won’t have the opportunity. Makes connecting with Kaitlyn all the more important.” “I agree. You do all you can to develop that relationship.” Lori paused, thinking how, no matter what she did to promote the ones between her and her children, they needed to want it to develop too for it to do so. Interested in reading the previous Java Cupid books? Here' s the link to Amazon's Java Cupid Series Page
There is also the fact that he's older with a widowed son and granddaughter. You can most likely guess a bit of the plot from that. I have no real issue with that as there are only so many plots to go around and so the challenge is to take one and make it different and interesting.
Ms Goss has written a cute story. There are a larger number of characters living in the house which adds interest as they develop and move the story along. It's a sweet wild western read, just like her Facebook group. If you're looking for cute story to while away an afternoon Mail Order Ruse will be right up your alley.
Rigs looked at the email again. ‘Meet me at the Java Cupid Coffee Shop @ 9:30 tomorrow.' He looked at his watch 09:20. He had ten minutes. He looked around the parking lot noticing the potential for attack. No security cameras, but the lines of sight to the glass front of the building were clear. So while an attack is possible, witnesses could be plentiful. Still with enough cars, not ideal from a security standpoint. This was why he needed a website. So he could help clients like this coffee shop know how to be more secure. Rigs stepped into Java Cupid Coffee Shop. Stupid name if you asked him, but it was it was a long-time favorite in Mystery Canyon, and it did have the best coffee in town. It had all those frou-frou coffee drinks. Rigs’ choice was large black. That came from all those years in the service. His time in the Navy made him survey the room carefully, though others would never realize he’d sized them up. He knew who could be a threat and who would likely get in the way if there was a need for action. As he stepped toward the counter, Rigs identified his target. The woman was prettier than the photo he’d seen on her website. She was already seated and fully focused on her computer. Her concentration concerned him. She needed to be more aware of her surroundings. But then again, she was a civilian woman. He was unable to tell what type of laptop it was as there was a cover with a picture on it. Looked like some sort of a flower was on fire to him. “Welcome to Java Cupid Coffee Shop, where we heart coffee. How can I serve you today?” Jeb’s smile wasn’t natural. Overly bleached teeth behind a light mocha complexion that didn’t reveal his lineage. Was the young man African-American or Hispanic? Rigs couldn’t determine. The boy looked healthy and vigorous, but not a threat. Rigs looked at the young man’s name. “Large black coffee, please, Jeb.” “Sure thing.” Rigs held his phone up to the credit machine and paid for the drink. As the barista went to pour his coffee, Rigs turned his attention back to the woman. Lori Melnick, of Melnick Web Design. There had been some sort of tag line, but Rigs couldn’t remember it. It was a needless detail not worth the effort. Not looking up from her computer, Lori picked up her mug and took a sip. Again, Rigs thought, she should be more aware of her surroundings. But then, maybe he was too aware of them. Well, at least she was seated correctly in the cafe. She was at a table in the corner with her chair facing the room. That made him frown just a bit. He’d be sitting with his back to the room. The table was small. He’d see if they could move to a larger one so he could sit with his back to the wall. “Here you go.” Jeb was back and holding out a paper cup with a lid. “Thanks,” Rigs said as he took the cup. He took a sip. It was hot and delicious. Who needed to doctor good coffee up with miscellaneous additives. Give him a hot cup of plain unadulterated java any day. Walking over to her table, Rigs stood in front of it for a moment waiting for her to notice him. When she didn’t, he cleared his throat. “Ms. Melnick?” “Oh.” She looked up. “Pardon me. I was concentrating on getting this just right.” She stood and held out her hand. “I’m Lori Melnick. You must be Nelson Peris. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” “Rigs, ma’am. I go by Rigs, not Nelson.” Rigs took her hand giving it a gentle shake. He was surprised at her firm grip. He figured her to have a weak, limp handshake. “Fine Rigs, and you can call me Lori. Please, sit, and we’ll discuss your website needs.” Lori began to sit back down. “Can we move to another table? I can't sit with my back exposed like this. Not and concentrate on our meeting. I’d be waiting for someone to attack. It’ll be distracting.” “Do you really expect to get attacked at the Java Cupid?” “Ma'am, I always expect to get attacked. That's what makes me good at what I do. I expect my clients to get attacked and plan for how to minimize and neutralize the threat before it happens.” “I didn’t think about the table size. This is just where I always sit when I come to Java Cupid to work.” Lori closed the laptop and gathered her papers, phone and coffee cup. “You picked a good spot. Always sit with your back to the wall, facing the room. But, you were too lost in what you were doing. Someone could have attacked you or stolen your purse or phone, which was lying on the table, without you even realizing it. I stood there for enough time to do just that, and you never noticed me.” Rigs ignored her embarrassed blush and led the way to a table not far away. It was angled to the wall so both could sit without having their backs to the room. He held the chair for Lori. She looked up at him and smiled as she sat. “Thank you.” Once they were settled with her laptop open and a spiral notebook and pen in hand, Lori said, “So, Rigs, you have a security consulting business and want to develop a web presence.” “Yeah, that’s right. I was working out of Pueblo. Had a small office there. I was doing a job setting up a security system here in Mystery Canyon and liked the town. I bought an old two-story brick store building down by the river. Remodeled it into my office and gym on the first floor and living space upstairs.” “You have a personal gym?” Rigs grinned. “Yeah, doesn’t everybody?” Lori was cute. She looked so flummoxed at the thought of a gym in his house. “Well, no. I have a membership at Beautiful Body. Don’t go as often as I should.” Lori began fiddling with a strand of pearls she wore around her neck. She cleared her throat. “Well, let’s talk about your website needs and what I can do for you.” Rigs kept up a routine scan of the coffee shop as they discussed the site he wanted to be developed. There were multiple security issues here. It would be so easy for someone to rob the cash register while the barista was preparing the order. No security cameras, anywhere. He’d recommend placing them to cover the entire coffee shop as well as the bar and grill accessed through a large doorway just to the left of the entrance into the kitchen beside the coffee counter. Also in the parking lot, of course. “Rigs, you still with me here?” Lori asked. He turned his attention back to her. Cute thing, really. He could look at her for a long time and not get tired of the view. “Yeah, just surveying the security needs of the place. Pretty lax. I haven’t been in the bar and grill yet so don’t know the possible liabilities that are in there.” “I thought we were working on your website.” Rigs noted that Lori took her hands from the keyboard and set them in her lap. She also bent her head to look down. “Here I was scolding you for not paying attention to your surroundings, and I get distracted by my surroundings and not giving enough concentration to what we’re doing. Sorry, a hazard of the job, and my background.” “So, what is your background?” Lori looked at him again. “Navy, twenty-five years, twenty-three as a Seal. I got out four years ago and started this security consulting business. I’ve done pretty well, but want to expand my reach. That’s where you come in. I need a web presence, so they tell me.” Rigs grinned at Lori. “Hey, we’ve been at this for a couple of hours. How about we head into the other room and grab some grub? We can eat and talk about the website, and I can assess the security needs of this place even better.” He got the response he’d been hoping for. Lori chuckled and agreed. Remember, Java Footprint book 3 in the series comes out on June 29. You can find the other two books, Java Break #1 by Lynn Donovan and Java Muse #2 by George McVey on Amazon. Here's the series page.
In my continuing series of book reviews, I've found another sweet read. It's Accidentally Yours by Samantha Bayarr. She has a Facebook group called Christian Fiction Fans I'm a member of. Authors can post links to their books, which you can't do on other groups for various reasons. Samantha Bayarr has written over 100 Christian Fiction Books in Contemporary Romance, Historical Romance, Western Romance, Amish Romance, and Amish Suspense. Here's the link to her Amazon Author Page.
CHRISTIAN CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE Cinderella may have met her Prince Charming at the Ball, but Mia was no Cinderella, and Chad was no Prince Charming. Mia Fletcher is a mousy, nerdy, school teacher who is once again dateless for Valentine's Day. At the prompting from her co-worker, she agrees to ditch her cliché life, put on a party dress, and head for the Valentine Blind-Date Ball at the country club. What she didn't agree to when she signed on was meeting the very infuriating Chad Belmont. Willing to do anything to get out of a family obligation, Chad tells his friend he plans to marry the next woman he meets, and his friend takes him up on that dare until a simply party-game glitch gives them both more than they bargained for. This book is a fun, light read. What a good idea for a summer afternoon or evening. The characters are well written and the plot flows along well. There's a twist at the end which sort of cleaned things up a bit too nicely, but for a sweet romance it worked well. I liked several aspects, one of which is that the characters had met and been attracted to each other ten years before so their feelings for each other weren't exactly insta-love which I'm not fond of. This was more of a finding the one who got away type of story.
The characters are Christian and there's no sex or language making it an appealing read. Pick up Accidentally Yours and have a few hours of fun watching Mia and Chad find their happily ever after. Today's book review is The Cure by Parker J. Cole. She's a new author to me. She's a Christian author who writes mainly interracial Christian romance. She is also one of the authors for the Java Cupid series. Parker does internet radio shows "focused on real Christian talk about issues that affect every day of our lives. From culture and arts, to politics, and devotions, PJC Media exists to invigorate the Christian culture with thought provoking, wholesome, and educational broadcasts and programming." Here is the description from the book's Amazon page Savannah Woods vows to never again have anything to do with Micah Reddington after he ruins her best friend's career. Yet, when Savannah’s niece is injured in a serious accident, the one man she can’t trust is the one she needs. Micah can barely contain his satisfaction when he sees Savannah’s message pleading for him to come to her side. Her disloyalty nearly cost his career and he’ll never forgive her for leaving him at the lowest point in his life. Despite her efforts to remain aloof, Savannah keeps seeing glimpses of the Micah she once loved behind his cool exterior. Micah fights an ongoing battle to not succumb to the sweetness of the woman he once cared for beyond anything else. But Savannah and Micah’s hearts remain sick with the pangs of betrayal. What, if anything, is the cure? I enjoy books dealing with medical issues or with main characters who are doctors, so this was interesting to me from the start. Books which have a lot of flashbacks are not normally appealing to me. The Cure, however, doesn't use flashbacks as I usually find them. They are reflections and memories set within the character's present thoughts. They are brought back to the action by comments or events breaking in. I enjoyed how Parker did this.
The story is compelling. Lilliana is the niece who has been badly burned and in the hospital. Savannah calls on her ex-fiance, Micah, to come. She texts him, I need you, and he does. There is bitterness on both sides as well as distrust. There are supportive minor characters who, depending on their viewpoint, encourage a reconciliation or actively work to prevent it. Themes of forgiveness, trust, support, and belief in others weave their way throughout the book. As a romance there is, of course, a HEA. The story is well written and I couldn't put it down. Their was one aspect of the story I would have liked to know how it was resolved but its absence didn't detract from the book. It's clean with no sex or language and both main characters are Christian believers. Pick up your copy of The Cure. You won't be disappointed. As I mentioned in the last post, I'm one of the authors writing the Java Cupid series. I'm doing two books while the others are doing three or four. At the moment there are fourteen scheduled. Java Break by Lynn Donovan is already out. Here's the schedule for the series: June 12 Java Muse - George McVey July 3 Java Footprint - Lynn Dononvan July 24 Java Priority - Sophie Dawson August 14 Java Harmony - George September 4 Java Dreams - Lynn September 25 Java Blend - Parker J Cole October 16 Java Masterpiece - Lynn November 6 Java Rift - Parker November 27 Java Protect - Sophie December 18 Java Claus - George January 8 Java Echo - Parker January 29 Java News - George February 14 Java Cupids - Lynn I'm working hard on Java Priority.(No final cover yet.) It's the story of a widow who was neglected in her marriage, never being the priority in her husband's life. Rigs is a divorced, retired Marine Special Ops veteran who runs a security company. Lori is a website designer who is going to build Rigs' website. I thought you all might like to read the first chapter. So, here it is. Oh it's a first draft so there will most likely be typos. Rigs looked at the email again. ‘Meet me at the Java Cupid Coffee Shop @ 9:30 tomorrow.’ He looked at his watch 09:20 He had ten minutes. He looked around the parking lot noticing the potential for attack. No security cameras, but the lines of sight to the glass front of the building were clear. So while an attack is possible, witnesses could be plentiful. Still with enough cars, not ideal from a security standpoint. This was why he needed a website. So he could help clients like this coffee shop know how to be more secure.
Rigs stepped into Java Cupid Coffee Shop. Stupid name if you asked him, but it was it was a long-time favorite in Mystery Canyon, and it did have the best coffee in town. It had all those fru-fru coffee drinks. Rigs’ choice was large black. That came from all those years in the service. His time in the Marines made him survey the room carefully, though others would never realize he’d sized them up. He knew who could be a threat and who would likely get in the way if there was a need for action. Just a quick post letting you now I was on a radio show tonight. Parker J Cole's BlogTalk Radio show.
Multi-Author Series and Why You Should Do Them -- Write Stuff -- 5/30/2017 I was a guest and my friend George McVey was the co-host. Lynn Donovan was also a guest. We talked about writing multi-author series as you can see from the title. Since George, Lynn, Parker and I are doing the Java Cupid Series together we were able to talk about how much fun we are having writing our stories and how we are all gaining as writers because of our collaboration. Anyway, the link is in the title. You can listen to me ramble away about how much I'm enjoying working with these authors. |
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