Blog Tour! Broken Road by #Author Addison Kline








TITLE : BROKEN ROAD 


AUTHOR : ADDISON KLINE 


GENRE: ROMANTIC SUSPENSE 





























It is often said that time heals all wounds. The words are spoken like a promise... A vow. These words are said to people who have been beaten down to their lowest state. To the poor souls who have nothing left to lose. Whispered into the ear of a grieving daughter, told with a shrug to a man who has nothing left to live for.


These are dangerous people.



The down-trodden. The grieving. The ones who love more people dead than alive.



The words should never be uttered. Not to the ones who have no solid ground on which to stand upon, no rail in which to clasp. The white-knuckled moments of life have come to be expected rather than feared.



"Time heals all wounds."



The words are an insult. A slap in the face... and around here, they'll get you hurt. For Averi McClain and her husband Colt, there were few deeper insults.



In the wake of Black Horse's death, a war has erupted. The Seventy Devils are scattered and on alert, gnawing at the bit for the go-ahead to strike. They would not hesitate to spill the blood of anyone who stood in their way of recompense. They knew they would need to act fast if they wanted to come out on top. Colt was not the kind of guy that you slept on. He'd stop at nothing to protect his family and he was lethal whether he was heavily armed or going toe to toe, bare knuckled beat-down style. Colt did have Black Horse's blood coursing through his veins, after all. But then, so did Jimmy, and he is ready to show everyone that the apple didn't fall far from the tree... in fact, they appear to have formed on the same poisoned branch.



As leader of the Devils, Jimmy had seventy miscreants to do his bidding - and three goals in which he needed to achieve:



1. Avenge Black Horse


2. Kill Colt McClain and Randy Ford


3. Take Averi for his own


Jimmy has another thing coming if he thinks victory is easily won. Will Colt and Averi's broken road end in tragedy? Or will they be the ones to banish the devils straight to hell? When the demons of the past rise up, can Colt and Randy face them fearless and determined? Whatever happens, don't expect Colt and Randy to stand alone. Buckle up. The broken road makes for one hell of a ride.











COMING SOON !




























Addison Kline is an award winning, best selling novelist who writes mystery,


psychological thrillers and romantic suspense novels. She lives in


Pennsylvania with her husband, their sons and two rambunctious dogs.


Addison has had a love affair with the written word since before she


entered school. Her grandmother taught her the glory of taking an


adventure in the pages of a book. When Addison isn’t writing, you can


find her reading, going for an adventure with her sons, or traveling


with her family.




















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Book Feature! Grave Misfortune (Palace Secrets Book 3) by #Author Ravyn Rayne

release day blitz - grave misfortune

Grave Misfortune (Palace Secrets Book 3)

by Ravyn Rayne

Published by Blushing Books
Genre: Historical Romance, Romantic Erotica
Married to a gambler and drunk, Helene is the madam for a brothel, where she looks after her girls and services the clientele. When Vincent, a royal guard from the palace, arrives at her doorstep and tries to defend her honor, little does he know she’s both married to the man and a Madam for the establishment. Could things get any more awkward?


Hours later, a fire breaks out, putting her life and the girl’s that live with her in danger. Who would wish to set fire to the brothel? Going home to the cottage with her husband hardly seems a viable option. Vincent invites her to court, but can she handle what is in store for her? Not used to taking orders, Helene will have to learn to submit to Vincent, in order to protect her.


EXCERPT




"Come with me." Vincent's tone is sharp and short. "You broke the rules, Helene. There are consequences for not following orders." He grabs me by the elbow and whisks me into a nearby room, kicking the door shut behind us.


I slip from his grasp as he blocks my exit. Consequences? Is he out of his mind? I should have known not to trust him and come to court. Not that I felt there was much choice but I could have lied to the king or told him I had a husband to stay with. It might have begged more questions but those I could have skirted. "Let me go!"


"Not until you've been taken over my knee."


I scoff at his words. He's not serious. "What are you going to do, spank me?" I'm half-joking. Rowland wasn't a prince but he never would have had the strength to discipline me.

Meet the Characters in the Series


Helene
A madam and owner of her own brothel, Helene is related by blood to King Alexander, though she's never come forward to claim any relation to the throne. She prefers her relation to be kept secret. Married to a drunk, Helene spends more time looking after her girls and babysitting her husband than caring about her own needs.
helene
Vincent
As a guard for King Alexander, Vincent is loyal, but don't mistake his kindness for lack of strength. With a reputation for being dominant and adventurous, Vincent has decided he wants a woman to marry, one that loves him for his kink as much as his desire to command her in the bedroom.
vincent
Queen Isabella 'Ella'
Formerly a princess, Queen Isabella is married to King Alexander. With a secret history of romancing her Lady-in-Waiting, Hannah, Isabella has come to accept her role as queen. Will she accept everything else going on in the castle right under her nose?
Isabella
King Alexander
While his father lay on his death bed, Prince Alexander searched for a woman that would join him in ruling his kingdom. Strict, dominant, and every sense of the word 'alpha', Alexander knows how to keep his queen in line with a good spanking when she disobeys.
king alexander
Hannah
Lady-in-Waiting for Princess Isabella, Hannah travels with her to Prince Alexander's court. Keeping their relationship a secret is a necessity or she and her queen will face death. Given the opportunity to find love and her own life away from the palace, the arrogant Lucas Covington, a Duke with riches and a title, desires Hannah's hand. He's smug, annoying, and enjoys taking Hannah over his knee when given the opportunity to discipline her. Is it too much for her?
Hannah


Author Interview




What are you currently working on?


Right now I'm writing a Victorian Age Play novel that will be published under the name Allison West. It's currently untitled and I'm about half-way through writing the first draft. I've also recently created the domain spankingauthor.com which highlights both Ravyn and Allison (spanking author) titles.


What names do you write under?


Ruth Silver, Ravyn Rayne, and Allison West.


How much do you write per day?


My goal is 6k words a day. Somedays I can get that done in three hours. Other days it takes 8 or 9 hours to write that amount.


What are you favorite genres to read?


I love romantic erotica, dystopian (YA or adult), and some fantasy.


Are you self published?


Nope. I'm published with Blushing Books, Lazy Day Publishing, and Booktrope.


What else do you like to do besides write?


I love photography, reading, traveling, watching television, blogging, and making book swag.


What sport are you good at?


I used to be good at bowling. I bowled on my high school team and on our college campus in a league for fun.


What show on television are you most looking forward to that's debuting this season?


Good question! There's two shows I'm really excited about watching. Quantico and Shadowhunters. My days are spent writing and nights are spent relaxing to television or hanging out with friends.


Do you have a favorite board game?


Settlers of Catan and Pandemic. I love both of them equally.


Which do you prefer: Kindle or paperback?


Lately I've been reading on my kindle. It's easy to download, I can get samples set to my device, and I don't have to wait for a book to ship. I do have trouble remembering to charge the Kindle though!

Grab the series from the beginning

Palace Secrets

by Ravyn Rayne

Published by Blushing Books
palacesecrets1redox500


Love comes in many forms and always at a price.


At twenty-three, Princess Isabella must settle down for the sake of her kingdom. Caught up in a secret affair with her lady-in-waiting, Hannah, the princess knows it can only last for so long.


When Prince Alexander arrives to court her, he confides that his father is on his death bed, and he will be crowned king soon. Isabella hastily agrees to the proposal, desiring to be queen, knowing little about her soon to be husband.


Murder, secrets, and lies combine with menage, spanking, and erotic encounters in this steamy medieval romance.




Excerpt


“Make a sound and you’ll get another spanking,” Alexander says. His tone is firm but light. Unlike the last time, he doesn’t sound angry or disappointed with me. Is this how our lovemaking will be?
I’m both aroused and craving more of Alexander’s affection. I bury my face into the pillow, trying my best not to make any noise. I moan quietly as his lashings grow harder, burning against my skin, making me wet. I’m glad Alexander’s attention is on me. There’s something about his power and control that fires me up inside. Is he doing this to teach me a lesson for being naughty or to arouse me?
“No, Hannah.” Alexander’s answer is both quick and abrupt. “I’m the only one in charge.
Maybe I should spank you both regularly for sneaking around the castle, behind my back. Would that make sure it doesn’t happen again?” Alexander lets his hand land hard on my bottom. The sting grows fierce and I whimper in protest. When will his spankings turn to sex? He offered it to me the last time and I rejected him. It had been the only amount of control that I’d been given. Tonight, I would give him everything, and if he asked me to beg, I would.

Maiden Claimed (Palace Secrets Book Two)

by Ravyn Rayne

Published by Blushing Books
palacesecrets2redox500
It was supposed to be a simple trip to the market in Paris.
Nothing for Lady Hannah is ever simple.
One secret after another.
The lies are mounting up.
Lady Hannah has made a deal with the devil. Worse she’s falling in love with him. There’s no turning back.
A steamy medieval romance filled with spankings and erotic pleasures.

Available on Kindle Unlimited for FREE or just $2.99 on Amazon


Excerpt




Waiting outside the bathhouse, a gentleman, with honey-golden hair and eyes as green as the blades of grass on a summer’s day, stops in front of me. He looks me over and smiles. His face is covered in scruff and dirt licks his skin. “I approve.”


There’s an arrogance surrounding this man, and I have the urge to silence him.


“You approve of what?” I ask and cross my arms defensively. My eyes narrow, unpleased.


“I approve of you joining me in the bathhouse. Though I admit you look pretty clean already. Guess I shouldn’t be surprised.” He reaches out to touch a strand of my blonde hair and I swat his fingers away and force his arm down to his side.


“You’ve lost your mind.” My grip on his wrist is forceful, showing him who’s boss.


“What do you think you’re doing?” he asks, glancing down at my hand still holding his wrist.



About the Author

Ravyn RayneRavyn is a sassy, fun-loving, and adventure-seeking young woman. She loves to travel and can’t wait for her next vacation,
Ravyn writes romantic erotica. She began writing romance novels in college, spending her down time either reading a book or writing fiction. Please don’t make her choose between the two, she loves them equally.wherever it might be. She has been published professionally since 2013. You can find her young adult books here.
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Cover Reveal! Wrong by #Author Jana Aston & #Giveaway!






BOOK & AUTHOR INFO:

Wrong by Jana Aston
Publication date: October 7th 2015
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance




Synopsis:

I have a history of picking the wrong guy. Gay? Player? Momma’s boy? Check, check and check.

Now I can’t stop fantasizing about one of the customers at the coffee shop I work at between classes. It’s just a harmless crush, right? It’s not like I ever see this guy outside of the coffee shop. It’s not like I’m going to see him while attempting to get birth control at the student clinic. While wearing a paper gown. While sitting on an exam table. Because he’s the doctor.  Shoot. Me.

But what if, for once, the man I’ve had the dirtiest, most scandalous fantasies about turned out to be everything but wrong?


Wrong is a full-length, standalone novel by Jana Aston








Giveaway:


a Rafflecopter giveaway







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Blog Tour! Sade On The Wall By #Author Kaylene Campbell



Title: Sade On The Wall 
Author: Kaylene Campbell
Genre: Young Adult 





Save her friendship, or save her best friend...

Sade and Jackie have been best friends since they were little, but a dangerous habit may drive a rift between them forever. When Sade finds out that Jackie has been attending raves, she doesn’t think it’s a big deal—until she discovers that Jackie has an even bigger secret.

Sade soon finds herself lying to the people she loves most in order to cover for Jackie. Caught in Jackie’s web of self-destruction, she tries to do her best to honor the best friends code of secrecy. As things spin more and more out of control, though, Sade realizes there is only one thing she can do to save Jackie.

Sade on the Wall is a poignant, raw coming of age story filled with suspense, tough choices, and heartache. Delving deep into the world of teen drug addiction, it will strike a chord with both teen and adult readers.



Amazon
US
UK AU CA
B&N
iTunes








Kaylene Campbell believes in spreading the message of prevailing hope, even in the darkest times. She writes suspense novels for teen readers that focus on substance abuse and mental illness. Partially based on experiences from her own life, Sade on the Wall is her first novel. Kaylene started writing at a young age, but only recently began pursuing her dream of being a full-time author. Though she has traveled all over New England and the East Coast, Kaylene makes her home in Connecticut with her husband, the mixed media artist Michael Campbell.



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Cover Reveal! Garnet's Queen by #Author Chelsea O'Neal

**~**Cover Reveal**~**

 for 

Garnet's Queen

Book 3 in the Angel Crest Trilogy

by Chelsea O'Neal





Release Date coming soon!
Blurb:

War has come to the castle in Garnet City. With Daniah’s fate hanging in the balance, the close group of Zoku must come together and overpower the resistance, as well as protect the humans.

Lives will forever be altered. Secrets are revealed. One person must decide whether to continue on the path of destruction or follow the Everlasting, while another learns she can be more than she ever had the opportunity to be.

As the Zoku army fights back against the evil Devlo, they turn to their faith, and rely on strength, hope, and love. But, will this be enough? Can they overcome Daniah’s missing presence, or will this be what evil needs to win, once and for all? The ultimate fight between good and evil will clash in this final chapter of the Angel Crest Trilogy..


Other Books in the Trilogy



Zoku's Hope
Angel Crest Series Book 2
by Chelsea O'Neal
 
Cover was designed by Mallory Rock, visit her website. Released March 21, 2014. 








Blurb:



After Jaiden found Daniah in Juniper, they returned to Garnet City. Daniah is destined to become Queen of Zoku, a race of angel half-breeds who protect the humans from a soul-stealing evil. Now, Daniah is learning of her abilities and responsibilities as queen. Just as things seem to be going smoothly, a group of Zoku show up to help, led by an angel, Shelly.

Mallory has been on her own for most of her life, trying to protect and save those around her.  She is Toyek, and she's been hiding in plain sight while fighting for her life. She is intent on finding her friend’s daughter, whatever it takes, when an innocent trip to the supermarket takes an interesting turn.

Orion has been hired to find a female and, as a Tracker, finding people is his specialty. He discovers much more than he was looking for when he runs into the beautiful Mallory. While pursuing both his target and the resistant Mallory, he finds himself fighting to defend Princess Daniah and the Zoku.


Can Orion and Mallory work together to help Daniah be the hope the Zoku so desperately need? Or will a few surprises and a tragedy be all it takes to break the united front of the Zoku fighting against the evil Meikal?







Purchase Zoku's Hope from Amazon.com


 Juniper's Princess 
Angel Crest Book 1
Release July 2, 2013

Blurb:

Daniah is different, she always has been and now her dreams and visions of the future are increasing, she knows her life is changing. She just doesn't know by how much...

Jaiden is different, but he knows why and he knows his responsibilities. He must find the saviour of his race, the angel human half-breeds who are fighting a war for humanity's souls. If he can't convince Daniah she is more than just a little different - she is the princess of their people - they are all going to die.

Unfortunately Daniah doesn't have many reasons to trust Jaiden, especially when he is caught in a web of his own lies.

In a world where half-breed angels walk among us, fighting an evil for our souls, Daniah must find the strength to become the princess we all need.

 

Buy Juniper's Princess from Amazon.com


Author Bio Chelsea O'Neal:


Chelsea O’Neal lives in her fantasy world where people can fly, vampires could be real, money is never an issue, and the romantic meeting of your true love is a normal happening.  When not relaxing in Chelsea-ville, she enjoys talking with animals that talk back and taking long
walks with her Prince Charming… 
Chelsea O'Neal
Actually, Chelsea lives in the United States in Nebraska, where she was born and raised, with her black lab Daisey, who hasn’t spoken actual words, but she is prettysure Daisey understands her. She is yet to meet her Prince Charming, though she is quite sure he is out there. 
Chelsea enjoys working in a library as well as a cosmetologist. She is an avid reader and writing has always been her passion  Zoku’s Hope is her second novel, and she is working on her next book now.


Visit her website : Chelsea O'Neal




Chelsea O'Neal has a unique
voice in storytelling, threading the characters lives together intricately to
give us a complex web of good versus evil in a world descending into chaos...







Juniper's Princess (Angel Crest, #1)


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Blog Tour! League of Love Volume 3 by #Author Donna Gallagher




League of Love by Donna Gallagher copy

League of Love Volume 3 (League of Love)

by Donna Gallagher

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Emily's Cowboy

When love is not enough to heal the scars, both physical and mental, of the one you thought you would spend your life with…what else is there?
It's such a cliché—country boy moves to the big city to follow his dreams, leaving his girl and everything he loves behind—but that's exactly what Gareth Andrews has done. Playing rugby league is Gareth's dream, and he's signed with one of the best teams in the competition, the Sydney Jets.
Of course, that has meant a move to the big city and leaving Emily Mackenzie and everything he loves behind. Not that Gareth hasn't begged her to join him in the city—he has, on bended knee—but Emily needs to stay in Gunnedah and help her father on the family farm until her brother's stint in the armed forces is over. But Gareth knows it's more than that. Emily is hiding away, embarrassed by the scars that mar her body in a constant reminder of the bushfire that nearly took her life.
Can love give Emily the courage to face strangers again when her father is badly injured and Gareth shows up at the hospital to support her? Or will she let her fear and shame get the better of her, and break her one true love's heart for a second time?
Sarah's Soldier
It's what they have in common that drives a wedge between them—childhoods tormented by loss and heartbreak that have hardened their hearts.
When Sarah, digital and social media coordinator—or ‘digi-chick’, as she’s been called—is asked to babysit the special guest at the Jets Rugby League Club’s annual Anzac Day clash, she’s hesitant. What will the returning war hero, wounded from battle, think when he lays eyes on her dyed, flaming red hair and her face full of metal piercings? More than likely, the rule-following, uniform-wearing conformist will take one look at her and double-time it away from her feral-looking behind.
But the sexual attraction that sizzles between Sarah and Dylan is evident from their first touch, and despite both having built walls around their hearts, as protection from childhood loss and pain, they are keen to take advantage of the sheet-scorching, orgasm-exploding sexual tension that is simmering between them.
Of course, falling in love was never part of the plan.

Book Links

TB: https://www.totallybound.com/book/league-of-love-vol-3-print



Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1O03o8s



 Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/league-of-love-vol-3-donna-gallagher/1118091454?ean=9781781846810



Good Reads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20566981-league-of-love-volume-3







WLK excerpt






Excerpt from Emily’s Cowboy
They were going to kill him. The collective look in the men’s eyes was one of pure animosity. Emily could see it clearly defined in their faces, could see the intent as they charged towards the man she loved—three huge men, covered in mud and perhaps even blood, judging by the russet-coloured liquid leaking from one of the men’s bandaged head—and there was nothing she could do about it. She couldn’t look away and sat frozen in the moment as she watched the horror unfold before her, silently praying that Gareth would survive the next few brutal seconds.
Then they were on him, two around his upper body, one knocking his legs out from beneath him as they picked him up and slammed him, back first, onto the hard ground. The four men wrestled together. He was caught beneath the onslaught from the three above him—she could see him struggling to get to his feet. It really only took a matter of seconds, but for Emily it was a lifetime. Her heart raced, her palms moistened and she could not get the air into her lungs to take her next breath, the fear he would be hurt was so overwhelming.
Just when Emily thought she could bear it no longer, the men stopped struggling. They broke away, stood and faced each other. Gareth reached down, put the ball under his foot and rolled it behind him. Emily drew a breath down deep into her oxygen-deprived lungs… The tackle was over.
Every game was the same for Emily. It didn’t matter that for all intents and purposes Gareth was no longer hers, by her own choice. It would always be like that for her—the same fear, the same panic that overwhelmed her as she watched him play his beloved rugby league. It had started way back in the days of their childhood when she and Gareth had been joined at the hip, back when she would accompany his family to those junior rugby league matches. Emily always had the same reaction—horror and fear as she watched every tackle in a hypnotic trance, a panicked state, her breath trapped in her lungs until the moment she saw him back on his feet, healthy and unharmed despite the brutality of the sport he loved. She had never loved the game the way he did. Her only reason for watching was for reassurance that he remained uninjured, and had survived his time on the field without harm. She didn’t care if the team won or lost. For Emily, it was just about Gareth.
Of course, her family—and even Gareth himself—had no idea her interest was so limited. They believed her a true fan of the sport. Why wouldn’t they? She had been with Gareth for every local game he’d ever played. Well, apart from that time she had been in the hospital, but she would have been there watching if she could have.
As Emily tuned out, uninterested in the commentator’s wrap up of the televised game, she absentmindedly rubbed at her scars, the puckering skin of her deformity, the unkind reminder of the day her world had changed. She was hardly aware of her unconscious movement—her focus was on her relief that the final siren had sounded, concluding yet another game her precious Gareth had remained unscathed.
“Chin up, Em. This is what you decided. No point second guessing or reminiscing. Gareth has moved on, his life is in the big city and you have chores to do.” She spoke the words in an attempt to quell the usual sadness she felt, as her only link to Gareth ended with the conclusion of the television broadcast. Emily turned the seldom used television off, waited till the black screen was all that was left to see and walked from the room. Her posture was hunched, her gait slow as she headed to the barn to feed the horses and clean the stalls. The routine, mundane tasks would fill her mind enough that the pain that lanced her heart would eventually fade.
“Game finished? How’d he go? Did they win?”
Her father’s deep voice breached her thoughts, bringing her back to the here and now, preventing any further painful memories from surfacing.
“Yep, they won. Gareth came through okay.” Emily didn’t want to discuss Gareth any more. It was better to push him from her mind for now, knowing full well that it would only be a week before once again she would sit white-knuckled in front of the television, riding every moment with him, feeling every knock he took as if it was her on the field. Why she could not just keep herself from this anguish week after week, she could not explain. It was just something she had to do.
She had sent him away, destroyed every plan they had ever made for their future—and they had planned and dreamt about what a perfect life they would have together, had talked of such things late into the night on many occasions. That was before she’d pushed him from her life, but she could not stop loving him, worrying for him. Emily knew this like she knew she would take another breath, and until that last breath she would love Gareth like no other.
Excerpt from Sarah’s Soldier
“So how goes the twittering?”
Sarah couldn’t hide the smile that formed as Brodie James again used the wrong terminology. No matter how many times she had tried to explain what she did as digital media coordinator to the Jets rugby league team, Brodie—the coach, and for all intents and purposes her boss—still had no idea what she was talking about.
“That would be ‘tweeting’, Brodie. It goes well. We’ve just reached twenty thousand followers on Twitter and our fan page membership is still rising steadily. You really need to open up your own Twitter account—that way you can see the impact social media is having on the game for yourself.”
Sarah had had the same conversation with Brodie before, more than once, so she was a little startled when his response was more positive than ever before.
“Yeah, I know. Cate keeps saying the same thing. She loves the whole tweet phenomenon, always has her nose stuck in her phone reading or clucking away at those tweeties.”
“Twitter and tweets, Brodie,” Sarah corrected again
“Yeah, but I don’t like her idea of names for me. Cate reckons ‘at dinosaur’ or something. That’s one of the reasons I called you in, Sarah. I was hoping you could give me a lesson on using this Twitter thing and maybe help me get a more flattering name. My modern wife needs to learn that her husband is no dinosaur.”
Sarah pushed away the laugh that threatened as she imagined Brodie’s beautiful wife teasing her sombre husband. Not that Sarah could imagine Caitlin James would be serious—it only took one look at the couple together to realise that they were deeply in love. Brodie’s affection for his wife was about the only emotion easy to read on the usually taciturn man’s face. Brodie was known for his calm, disciplined ways. He could be relied upon to keep a clear head and act accordingly—it was one of the reasons he had made such a successful transition from player to coach. The players respected him and treated his words almost like gospel, which explained the Jets’ winning streak over the past few seasons, in many people’s opinions.
Sarah decided that she would jump all over this request. While many of the younger players in the competition tweeted regularly, Sarah could only think of a couple of coaches who used Twitter. Having Brodie join the ranks would certainly boost the Jets’ followers.
“It would be my pleasure, Brodie. Glad to see you’re joining the modern age, no matter what Caitlin may think.” Winking, Sarah pulled her chair around to sit beside him at his desk. “Right—first things first, a name that’s more befitting of you.”
Sarah’s fingers flew across Brodie’s computer keyboard. @CoachBJames—yes, this is perfect, she thought as she created Brodie James’ Twitter account. Simple and straight to the point, just like Brodie James.
Sarah spent half an hour going over the basics with Brodie, suggesting a few people he might like to follow and reminding him that what he tweeted would be available to the public. She knew Brodie wasn’t an idiot, but Sarah wanted to make sure he understood everything that needed to be learnt about Twitter. By the end of the lesson, Brodie had followed his wife, @CaitlinJ10, and some of the players from the Jets. Sarah had used the Jets’ Twitter account to welcome Brodie to Twitter.
JetsRugbyLeague: ‘Hey, Jets fans! I have special news. I would like to welcome our illustrious leader to Twitter—@CoachBJames. Follow now, everyone.’
Sarah was pleased to see that within moments Brodie’s account had reached over one hundred followers. She laughed at Brodie’s shock over the immediate response and helped him create a few tweets about upcoming games and the latest developments at the club. She was pleasantly surprised to see that @CoachBJames was taking to Twitter like a duck to water.
“Think I’ve created a monster.” She giggled as she watched him send a private message to his wife that was just a little suggestive, and fell into a fit of full-scale laughter as he waggled his eyebrows at her, the adorable smile on his face an expression she wasn’t usually privy to.
“Enough of this, Sarah. There was another reason I called you in.” Brodie pushed his keyboard away, his voice becoming more businesslike, more Brodie-ish. “Have you been filled in on the Anzac weekend game against the Hawks?”
Sarah opened her iPad and brought up her calendar. She had the information Brodie was talking about stored away in her digital lifeline. The Jets and Hawks were dedicating their game to honour Anzacs past and present. The day was going to be filled with entertainment and ceremony befitting the event, with the culmination and highlight of the day being just before kick-off when, by Black Hawk helicopter, a soldier would deliver the game day trophy and ball to the opposing teams’ captains.
Sarah had already offered her assistance, in any way needed, to the Jets’ publicity team. She had pieced together a few videos of the players talking about what Anzac Day meant to them, and had also received a tape from a few serving soldiers, wearing their Jets supporters gear and wishing the Jets success on their upcoming match. So she was uncertain why Brodie had asked to see her specifically.
“Yep, I’ve been given all the relevant info. Why, is there something you need me to do?”
“Well, Sarah, as a matter of fact, there is. This is still somewhat confidential, although not for much longer, I’m guessing.” Brodie’s comment caused Sarah’s interest to spike. “As of this morning, Steve Clark has been sacked by the Jets’ board of directors. Steve has been leaking confidential information to the media. This has left us in quite a mess, considering the amount of work involved in pulling together the Anzac Day game. We were wondering if you could step up and take over his role for the short term, until we can find a replacement for Clark.”
Sarah’s breath hitched as the implications of Brodie’s words began to sink in. She was horrified to think that Steve Clark had been so disloyal to the Jets club, players and fans, but in all honesty found that she was not at all surprised. Sarah had always thought Steve Clark was a bit of a jerk. He had tried, on more than one occasion, to undermine her role, telling anyone within earshot what a waste of time it was to have a dedicated social media person at the Jets, and that he was capable of coordinating all media, publicity and promotions. His opinion that Twitter and Facebook were just a fleeting fancy had been proven more wrong every day by her success.
Could she do this, though? Sarah was not really a people person—well, not face to face. She was bold and courageous towards life from the keyboard of her computer, but in reality, out in the real world, Sarah was shy and reserved. Not that it showed in her appearance.
“What we need from you, Sarah, is to oversee the day, to keep an eye on the various corporate rooms, make sure the hosts are doing their jobs, co-ordinate the television and print reporters’ needs. You will also be responsible for looking after our guest of honour—make him feel welcome and show Soldier Boy around the ground. Introduce him to a few of the team members. Maybe take him up to the sponsor boxes and corporate dining rooms. Look, I know this is a big ask, but I’m confident that you can help us pull this day together. It’s a bit short notice, but what do you say, Sarah? Will you help us out with this?”
What is Brodie thinking?
Sarah had decided that the coach had lost his mind. Did he not see her? She was the exact opposite of what would make a soldier feel welcome. Yes—some condescending, staid and disciplined soldier would take one look at her watermelon-coloured hair, the metal piercings on her face and through her nose, and dismiss her immediately. But how could she let Brodie down? He had been so accommodating. Even if he didn’t understand much about what she actually did, Sarah owed it to him to at least try. It was one day, a few hours—surely she could pull it off.
Sarah could handle the media and reporters. She knew most of them through Twitter anyway. Trevor Hughes would probably be the television presenter and she had met him on many occasions, Trevor being married to the Jets’ captain’s mother, Laura. The hosts for the corporate rooms had been doing their jobs all season, so probably wouldn’t need much help.
“I will do the best I can, Brodie. I just hope I can live up to your expectations.”
“Great—thank you, Sarah. You are doing me a great favour and I won’t forget it. I owe you big time. Let me know if you need anything. Don’t hesitate...”
The relief on Brodie’s face was clear. Sarah knew the man had enough on his plate already. Expectations were high for him and his team of rugby league players to keep reproducing their winning form of late. She just hoped she wouldn’t let him down. It had been a long, long time since anyone had shown faith in Sarah, relied on her. Fear of failure created pterodactyl-like creatures that flapped and swooped in her gut. She excused herself from Brodie’s office and hurried back to her little cubicle in the main office area.
Already the talk amongst the office staff was full of Clark’s termination. News sure did travel fast, she thought as she sank into her swivel chair, logged into her email account and found the reason for the chatter. Brodie sure hadn’t wasted any time confirming her new duties, Sarah mused as she read the email he’d sent to all the Jets’ staff and team. It outlined what he expected of everyone in their support of her, and briefly touched on Clark’s employment termination as well.
“Think I need to make a running sheet of what I’ll need to do on the day,” Sarah mumbled to her computer screen. “It’s all in the preparation,” she added, quoting one of the coaching staff’s favourite lines. She busily opened half a dozen different screens, then began to familiarise herself with the outlined plans for the day.


WLK Author Bio








Donna Gallagher

Born and bred in the inner western suburbs of Sydney - Donna Gallagher decided at an early age that life needed be tackled head on. Leaving home at 15 she supported herself through her teen years.
In her twenties she married a professional sportsman, her love of sport -- especially rugby league -- probably overriding her good sense.
The seven-year marriage was an adventure. There were the emotional ups and downs of having a husband with a public profile in a sometimes glamorous but always high-pressure field.
There were always interesting characters to meet and observe and even the opportunity to live for a time in the UK.
Eventually Donna returned home a single woman, but she never lost her passion for watching sport, as well as the people in and around it.
Now happily re-married and with three sons Donna loves coffee mornings with her female friends, sorting through problems from the personal to the international. But she's on even footing with the keenest man when it comes to watching and talking rugby league.
Donna considers herself something of a black sheep in a family of high achievers. Her brother has a doctorate in mathematics and her sister is a well-known sports journalist.
An avid reader, especially of romance, Donna finally found she couldn't stop the characters residing in her imagination from spilling onto paper. Naturally rugby league is the backdrop to her spicy 'League of Love Series' available through UK publisher Totally Bound, tales of hunky heroes and spunky heroines overcoming adversity to eventually find true love.
In 2015 Donna is spreading her genre wings with the release of her new romantic suspense Haven Security series and a contemporary erotic novella A Fruitful Intimacy.




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