#WriteWed #Military Heroes in the Coast Guard

US-CoastGuard-Seal.svgI’m in the midst of writing ONE NIGHT OF PLEASURE which features sexy retired Navy Captain Mark Smith and veteran Army Staff Sergeant Bridget Sullivan. If the Sullivan name is familiar, it’s because you met Bridget’s younger sister Maggie in ONE LAST NIGHT. It’s also familiar because you meet both Mark and Bridget in STAY THE NIGHT, Rafe and Elena’s story.

One thing I always think about while writing one of these novellas is how I can give you a quick intro to some of the characters you might see in a future book. In ONE NIGHT OF PLEASURE you’ll get to meet Lieutenant Commander Samantha Whittaker who is now in the Coast Guard and veteran Seabee Zack Rodriguez.

Why the Coast Guard (and I promise you’ll see more about the Seabees in another Write Wednesday post)? Well, I happened to be rescued by a very charming Coast Guard vet when I was stranded on a hotel balcony during an RT Convention in Orlando. To this day we both smile whenever we see each other and recall that very interesting (and embarassing) incident. You see, my friends and I had gone out there to have a glass of wine on a beautiful day. As we powershut a very recalcitrant sliding glass door, the security bar came loose and came down perfectly, trapping us on the balcony.

Luckily our hero walked by and seeing our dilemma, called for hotel security to come free us. He then graciously offered to get us some more wine as well. LOL!

So in his honor and to honor the service of our Coast Guard veterans, I thought it was time to highlight that branch of the military in one of the upcoming TAKE A CHANCE series novellas.

So here’s a little bit more about the Coast Guard, my Write Wednesday inspiration for EMBRACE THE NIGHT (late spring 2015), my story with Samantha and Zack.

Did you know the Coast Guard just celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the act to create the Coast Guard? You can click here to read more about the Coast Guard Act. However, the Coast Guard has been around since 1790. The 1915 Act was really more of a change of name of the service.

During times of peace, the Coast Guard is part of the Department of Homeland Security (as of 2003). During times of war, the Coast Guard is part of the Navy. Coast Guard heroes like Douglas Munro, a Medal of Honor winner, have saved countless lives during both peace time and war.

The Coast Guard is one of five military branches. Its motto is “Semper Paratus” in Latin which means “Always Ready.”

The Coast Guard does have an academy which is located in New London, CT. You can get more facts by clicking here.

And now here’s a look at the Coast Guard in action! If you can’t see the video below, click here to see the Coast Guard in action in Texas!

Coast Guard Emblem Photo Credit: By U.S. Government [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

#ManCandyMonday Bradley Cooper in American Sniper

It’s been a crazy couple of months with the holidays and work and writing obligations. Since Saturday was a rainy and dreary day, my hubby and I decided we were going to go to the movies, especially since there was one movie we both really wanted to see: American Sniper. We had actually wanted to go on Friday night, but it was sold out. We weren’t the only ones interested in going. The movie added another 64.4 million in box office sales to last week’s 107 million dollar take. Since release, it’s made nearly 200 million dollars.

Why the interest? Well, for me it was to maybe learn more about Chris Kyle, America’s deadliest sniper and a man who by all accounts was multi-faceted and a hero. He died trying to help a fellow veteran and earned both Silver Stars and Bronze Stars during his military service. If you want to find out more about Chris Kyle, click here for a well-rounded article. Why do I say “wel-rounded”?

There are those who will decry both Kyle and the movie. All I can say is that I thought the movie was thought-provoking and sad. You all know I support our military and that I’m as patriotic as can be. I went into the movie with those sentiments and I left the movie with those sentiments. War is hell and the movie shows that. God bless those who brave that hell for us.

I have to say that Bradley Cooper has surprised me yet again. He’s far beefier in the movie than in Silver Linings Playbook or his other movies. He looks a lot like Chris Kyle with the addition of a neatly trimmed beard. The transformation is amazing as was Bradley’s acting. For that, I’ve chosen him as today’s Man Candy!

Bradley_Cooper,_July_2009_(cropped)

By Chad J. McNeeley, U.S. Navy [Public domain or Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Remember Our Vets Today

One Last Night Erotic Military RomanceIt’s Veteran’s Day and I want to take a moment to thank all our military men, women and families for the sacrifices that they make on our behalf. God bless you and keep you safe.

In honor of Veteran’s Day, I’ll be participating in the Read, Write & Remember event on Facebook. Starting at 9 a.m. on November 11, 2014, and running through 9 p.m., a collaborative group of romance authors will be discussing why they write romances with military heroes and will share information about their books and special Veterans Day fundraising projects, as well as recognizing the non-profit organizations they support through financial donations and volunteerism. I will be with you at 2:30 to share my reasons for writing military romance and support our military.

I will be donating 100% of my proceeds from sales of ONE LAST NIGHT today to Hope for the Warriors, an organization that helps wounded military men, women and their families.
VetsDay

Remember Our #Military This Memorial Day

It’s hard to believe it’s almost Memorial Day, the traditional start of the summer season for so many. But if you don’t already, take a moment to remember why this is Memorial Day while your embracing Life, enjoying Liberty and Pursuing Happiness.

Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. Freedom. We would not have it except for the sacrifices of our military men, women and their families. So this weekend, take a moment to take part in services honoring our fallen, wounded and those who currently serve. Buy a red poppy from a vet and display it proudly. Visit a military cemetery and leave flowers or a flag or just take a moment to say a prayer for those that have fallen or for the safety of those that still serve.

If you’re one of the people who have so kindly contributed to my project for HOPE FOR THE WARRIORS, display your pin or tote bag (I just sent out a batch yesterday so you should have them soon!).

Thank you all for being here with me and may you all have a nice Memorial Day.

Memorial Day Home of the Free Because of the Brave

13 Things for Which I am Thankful

With Thanksgiving a week away, I wanted to share with you all the things for which I am thankful since I know that next Thursday I will be busy cooking and prepping for a wonderful Thanksgiving Day!

Things for which I am thankful in no particular order:

1. My brother and sister and their families.
2. My mother-in-law, sister-in-law and brother-in-law and all their kids!
3. My hubby who although massively annoying at times has always been a font of support, friendship and love.
4. My wonderful hard-working, respectful and funny daughter.
5. The roof over my head.
6. The food on my plate.
7. Our military men, women and families for the sacrifices they make.
8. The law enforcement officers and firefighters who risk their lives every day for us.
9. My friends, including all of you who come here to visit and take the time to write to me.
10. Being relatively healthy.
11. Being able to pursue my lifelong dream of writing a book.
12. Having a job.
13. The United States of America and the life, liberty and happiness that it provides. Without you, none of the above 12 would be likely be possible. God Bless America.

If you want to visit our Thursday-13 participants, please click here!

Wicked Wednesday – Meet Bobbie and Adam

THE LOST paranormal romanceThere are some characters that you fall in love with as a writer and I think Bobbie and Adam were that for me in THE LOST. I loved the way they grew as the story developed and how they overcame both their physical and emotional wounds to find love.

If you’ve either bought the book or checked it out online, you may know that I’ve dedicated it to the men, women and families of our military. I did that because I truly believe it is up to us to honor their sacrifice and help them how we can. In the past I’ve posted how to contribute to various organizations or donate books and other things.

In this book, both the dedication and Bobbie’s courage on her return home were a way to also honor our military people.

I want to share Bobbie and Adam with you today. In this excerpt, Bobbie and Adam have just survived a battle with two men who were trying to abduct Adam. During the fight Bobbie, who is rehabilitating from wounds while suffered as a Marine in Iraq, is slightly injured. When Adam touches her, however, she feels her injuries improve. Bobbie goes to Adam’s home to speak to him about what has happened.

Warning: I am a bit of a tease and will leave you at a pivotal point. Won’t say more and spoil it for you!

If you can’t see the excerpt below, you can also use this link:
http://www.scribd.com/fullscreen/61045171?access_key=key-xf0enng1oa342vs8mam

THE LOST Paranormal Romance Free Read

Proud to be an American

Feeling very patriotic today. Maybe it was being at the SOS Military Mixer at the RT Convention. Or maybe it’s what is in the news everyday. Regardless, there is no doubt that despite all our differences, we should all stand tall and say that we are proud to be American. And we should be thankful every day for those who make it possible for us to have our Liberty and the right to express our differences.

So today I offer you a song that always chokes me up every time I hear it. I understand the amazing and wondrous gift that I have been given to be able to enjoy the American Dream. I also understand that the Dream is paid for by the sacrifice of our military men, women and their families, so this is to honor them today and every day. Never forget their sacrifice and never forget the words of John F. Kennedy when he said:

And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.