Saturday Book Showcase: The Picture of Cool

The Picture of CoolThe Picture of Cool
by Laurie Boris
Genre of this Book: Contemporary Romance
Rating: 4.8 star average from 21 reviews
Available from Amazon.

Television producer Charlie Trager spends his days working with beautiful women on a daytime talk show. But underneath his cool façade, there’s a hollow spot in his heart, waiting for the right man to ease his loneliness. Then he meets the show’s next guest, a handsome young politician with a bad case of nerves—and a secret that could turn both their lives upside down. Continue reading “Saturday Book Showcase: The Picture of Cool”

Featured Book: Mazie Baby

Mazie BabyMazie Baby
by Julie Frayn
Genres: literary fiction, contemporary
Available at Amazon.

Mazie Reynolds’ husband used to adore her. Now he’d rather blacken her eyes. When he tires of her and turns his attentions to their daughter, Mazie hatches a plan to get them both out, now. But can she outwit the man she vowed to obey until death do they part?

Excerpt:

His breath was heavy and laboured, his chest rose and fell in fast rhythm with each inhale and bourbon-scented exhale. “Mazie.” His voice was gravelly. A hoarse whisper. “Baby.” She used to love it when he called her that. Mazie Baby. It spoke of his love for her, his desire to take care of her, protect her. Like a mother is supposed to keep a child safe from harm. It morphed into a taunt, like a schoolyard bully mocking a weak kid crying for his mommy. What’s the matter, baby? You gonna cry, baby? “Come on, baby. Untie me. You’ve made your point.” He smiled one of his fake smiles. “You know I love you, right?” How many times had he said that? After he hurt her. After the apologies that used to mean something but now rang as hollow and untrue as most every word he spewed.

What others are saying: “Her characters are raw and too real to ignore.” ~ Darcy, Amazon.com

Featured Book: An Untold Want

An Untold WantAn Untold Want
by Sara Stark
Genre: literature, women’s fiction
Available at Amazon.

Being born into a family of witches in rural Georgia has made Maggie MacAllister a recluse. She just wants a normal life, and if it weren’t for the MacAllister curse, a husband. When her teenage daughter nearly dies, Maggie must let others into her cloistered lifestyle, even a potential suitor.

Excerpt:

Everyone else in the restaurant politely ignores Libby, all the while making mental notes as to what was said and worn and done. The Jacob’s Creek grapevine will be humming tomorrow, and Maggie’s glad she decided to change out of her grubby work jeans and boots and into a nice pair of slacks and designer flats. At least they won’t be able to gossip about how badly she was dressed.

She gestures to Jerry, the bartender, who’s doing a better job of masking his dismay than Liz. He hovers behind the bar, hopefully near enough to help if there’s a problem. Maggie steps up next to Libby and waits, unsure what to say or do. She reaches out her hand but then drops it by her side. It’s hard to sympathize with Libby—Maggie would never cause a scene like this—but it’s not hard to be kind.

What others are saying:

“What started out as a book about witches, curses, herbs, and life in small-town Georgia developed into something much more meaningful.” – Jerry Prohoehl

Book Brief: The Picture of Cool

The Picture of CoolThe Picture of Cool
by Laurie Boris
Genre of this Book: Contemporary Romance
Word count: 14,000

Television producer Charlie Trager spends his days working with beautiful women on a daytime talk show. But underneath his cool façade, there’s a hollow spot in his heart, waiting for the right man to ease his loneliness. Then he meets the show’s next guest, a handsome young politician with a bad case of nerves—and a secret that could turn both their lives upside down.

This book is available from Amazon. Continue reading “Book Brief: The Picture of Cool”