Tell me in the comments about a story of chance romance you've had or heard and stand a chance to win Kindle copies of “Crazy for Cowboy” by Roxy Boroughs (a sweet romantic comedy) or “Witch in the Wind” (a sweet paranormal/fantasy romance) by Brenda M. Collins. Just state which one you prefer. You can also click on the banner to follow the tour and get other chances to win. Cheers!
Stories of chance romance Synopsis
This collection of eleven short stories of chance romance reflects the hope that comes with the first bloom of romance, whether you find it in your youth, midlife, or the twilight years.
We dedicate Stories of Chance Romance to all the women who face breast cancer and to the teams of family, friends and medical professionals who support them on their journey.
Like so many woman, we have been closely and personally touched by this disease. Roxy was diagnosed and successfully treated in 2010—the same year Brenda lost her very dear friend, Mary Beggan, to breast cancer.
All authors’ profits from the sale of this anthology are being donated to advance the research, education, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.
Book Information
Release Date: September 28, 2012
Genre: Contemporary Romance Anthology (11 short stories)
Roxy Boroughs got the acting bug in elementary school, creating skits at recess and performing them for the class, thanks to her very indulgent teacher. She went on to study theater in university, met the love of her life there, and spent many years performing in movies, commercials and on stages across Canada and the US. Soon, portraying one character wasn’t enough. She wanted to be them all. So she poured her years of drama experience into writing plays and novels.
Look for her award-winning romantic suspense A STRANGER’S TOUCH, as well as its sequel, A STRANGER’S KISS, along with a sweet, romantic comedy called CRAZY FOR COWBOY. Find her on Facebook, Twitter and her website http://www.roxyboroughs.com/.
Brenda M. Collins has wanted to write romance since she was twelve years old. At the age of twenty, she spoke to an editor in Toronto, Canada, who expressed an interest in her story; however, she soon realized it takes more than an idea to be an author. She joined a number of writing groups to learn about ‘the craft’ and completed two mystery manuscripts. To help her fellow writers develop strong business skills, Brenda has published articles, and delivered workshops to hundreds of writers, on career planning, professional networking and presentation skills. Her most recent article, entitled How to Improve your Presentations, is in the 2013 Writer’s Market (Brewer, R.L., ed. F&W Media Inc. p. 153).
Brenda’s debut novel, WITCH IN THE WIND, starts with a murder, but comes to life with witches, warlocks, a canine familiar and a magical dimension called The Otherland. For upcoming titles in The Otherland Chronicles, and other stories, keep an eye on Brenda’s website www.brendamcollins.com and follow her on Twitter.
Author/ Book Links
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Roxy-Boroughs/209937022429302?ref=hl and http://www.facebook.com/roxy.boroughs
Brenda M. Collins
Stories of Chance romance Excerpt
A CLASS OF HIS OWN
Gina headed to the Big Ridge High gymnasium, thrilled to find herself back in Montana, and at her old alma mater, ten years after graduating. Amidst the bobbing helium balloons and dim lighting, she could still make out the sign welcoming everyone to the reunion.
Anticipation tickled her insides. Thanks to email, she’d kept in touch with many of her old buddies and couldn’t wait to see them again. Luanne, Conner, and Kirstin—the four of them had stuck together like honey on bread—done projects, endured gym class, and dreamed of a future when they’d grow out of their awkwardness.
And Gina had. Braces off, she’d opted for laser surgery and pitched the glasses, and her beanpole body finally had some curves. She’d been on her share of dates—even had a marriage proposal—but hadn’t found Mr. Right. In spite of all the years that had passed, she still measured men by her high school crush.
Adam Reinheart.
He sure had her heart.
Two years older, he’d been unobtainable at the time—tall and tanned, with curly brown hair, and boyish dimples that made him irresistible to the girls.
And he had a bright future. His father, who owned one of the local gas stations, hoped Adam would attend a prominent university.
Would she still feel the same magic when she saw him?
Someone tapped Gina’s shoulder and she twirled around. Ten years hadn’t changed Kirstin one bit. She still had the same mischievous eyes, and let go with the same contagious laugh as the two hugged.
Quickly, they caught up on the intervening years—Kirstin’s two children and Gina’s small catering business.
“Who’s all here?”
“The whole gang,” Kirstin told her. “Luanne...and Conner. You should see him now—just back from a tour of duty as a medic.”
“How about...Adam?”
“Reinheart?”
Gina’s shoulders slumped when Kirstin frowned. “He didn’t come?”
“Oh, he’s here all right. Follow me.” Kirstin led her across the dance floor, as Say My Name by Destiny’s Child segued into Breathe by Faith Hill.
Through the parting crowd, she saw him—looking about as scrumptious as a man could. Maybe he had a little less hair on top but the sight of him still made Gina’s heart do a flip.
“Adam,” Kirstin yelled over the music. “Do you remember Gina?”
“I sure don’t.” Adam’s gaze wandered over Gina’s orchid-colored halter dress. A slow smile spread across his lips.
Having made the introductions, Kirstin turned to leave. Gina reached for her, nervous to be left alone with her teenage idol.
But Kirstin just winked. “Three’s a crowd,” she said, before disappearing into the dancing throng.
Squelching her nerves, Gina looked up at Adam and willed herself to speak. “The last time we met, you were heading off to university.”
“I did a year.” He gave a lazy shrug. “Why sweat it? I’ll inherit the gas station one day.” His eyes made another sweep of her dress.
Gina was starting to wish she’d worn a sweater. She crossed her arms over her chest. “So, you’re working there now?”
He laughed as though the idea was absurd.
“How do you spend your days then?”
Another shrug. “I hang out. Watch TV.”
Gina’s lips quivered, her smile cracked. She was proud of her achievements, her work ethic. What had Adam accomplished? Was this the man she’d wasted so much time dreaming about?
“So, Jenny,” he said, grabbing her arm with a clammy hand. “Wanna dance?”
She shook him off with a quick backward step. “The name’s Gina. And no thanks.”
Desperate for air, she fought her way to the exit. One moment, she was weaving through bodies.
The next, she was spun around, locked in a man’s embrace.
About to protest, she looked up, and into, the kindest eyes she’d ever known.
“Conner?”
He laughed. “You recognized me.”
“Hardly,” she admitted. Connor had always seemed frail as a teen. Not anymore. This man was solid, his biceps firm. When he smiled, it lit up the room.
“How are you enjoying the reunion?”
Gina shook her head. “It’s...”
What could she say? Different than I expected?
“It’s been an eye-opener,” she told him, finally. “How about you?”
He took her hands in his. “Seeing you again has made my evening.”
Her cheeks heated. Was her old pal flirting with her? “You were always a good friend, Conner.”
“I wanted to be more than that.”
How had she overlooked him in high school? He was smart, caring and, through the passing years, had acquired the kind of confidence that made a man truly attractive.
“Gina, would you like to dance?”
“I’d love to.”
Three songs later, he held her tight and whispered in her ear. “Great reunion, don’t you think?”
“The best,” she murmured, right before he kissed her.
Thank you for hosting the authors on this tour! Your blog is a lovely fit for what they are doing.
ReplyDeleteHappy Monday. Thanks so much for having us here today, and for visiting with us, if you're stopping by.
ReplyDeleteSince we don't do Arranged Marriages so much anymore, I suppose we've all had a Chance Romance that worked!
ReplyDeleteMine was while hiking, and meeting this Alpha Male who said, "You sure sweat a lot, you must be really out of shape."
I actually was impressed, because he was right. I was out of shape, or at least not in shape to hike above 4000 feet, having recently moved from sea level. And I liked that line a lot better than the usual “you hike really well, for a girl.”
So I followed the Alpha Male to the top of Helena Ridge (10,000 feet) and we’ve been together ever since.
What a line! Maybe I'll steal it.
ReplyDeleteNice story ladies and Suzanne. I love short romances.
ReplyDeleteShort works are great - when you're traveling, on the bus, before bed. Love 'em. Thanks for your comment, Louise.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Louise. They're a great escape.
ReplyDeleteAww. Short-but-sweet story.
ReplyDeleteOne of the best parts of these features is the bio, because I learn things I didn't know about your folks. For instance, Brenda, have you mentioned the Writer's Market article elsewhere? Woot!
Hi Jan,I was so excited when Writers' Market asked me to write that article. I have written all kinds of articles for the RWA chapter newsletters on business skills for writers but this was still a big step for me. I’m thinking of posting all of those earlier ones on my website.
DeleteThanks for dropping by today.
Right you are, Jan. Through this tour, I've learned things about Brenda I didn't know - and we've been pals for 14 years! Go figure.
ReplyDelete