31 July 2016

Sunday Snips and Stuff from Tricia McGill

This week I’m taking a snippet from one of my older books, Remnants of Dreams

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Remnants of Dreams begins in North London with Alicia's story. It is 1914, just at the beginning of WW1. Alicia is left with a child when her first love is killed. She eventually marries Matt and they have another nine children. This is the story of a changing world, and takes us through two world wars, following the loves and heartaches of a large family battling extreme poverty. But despite this they are rich in the things that matter--love and pride.
Previously published as Traces of Dreams this book won the Romance Writers of Australia’s Mainstream Romantic Book of the Year in 2003

This excerpt is taken from Part Two, featuring Sara, Alicia's headstrong daughter

1941
How Sara despised the war. If not for the war their dad, a giant among men, would still be with them. She hated the munitions factory where she was forced to work. Sometimes she even hated their mum, who'd never understood her, and had withdrawn into a circle of grief none of them could penetrate.

Sara knew their mum often accredited her with liking boys too much. Perhaps it was true. But it wasn't her fault they had always been attracted to her.

How she longed to be back in the salon, instead of stuck in this stinking hole of a factory with its deafening noise that threatened to split the eardrums. Daisy hated the men in the factory. They were the dregs; too young or old to be called up. Jane never spared them the time of day. But for Sara they helped alleviate the boredom that was enough to drive her insane. The older men were having a field day while all the young chaps were away in the services.

"How can you stand talking to him," Jane asked with disdain when Sara had been chatting to Dennis Webster, one of the foremen. "He’s a dirty old man."

"Dennis is only twenty years older than me, and he's not dirty. Anyway, I like mature men," Sara retorted. That wasn't strictly true, but getting a rise out of her sisters was just another way to pass the time.

"Humph, old enough to be your father. Mum's right about you, Sara. One day you'll end up in a real pickle, the way you carry on," Daisy scolded.

Sara shrugged and let her mind wander. It was the only way she could make it through the day at the plant without dying of boredom. Dennis was the only presentable man out of the bunch. She wouldn't have spared him the time of day normally. She flirted with him, for he wasn't bad looking. And he was nice to talk to.

Dennis felt guilty as hell about not being in the forces. He'd failed the medical because of a bad back, but had a way of laughing at his shortcomings that appealed to her.

Sara spent her days dreaming about Stan Mayhew. She'd met him while he was working on his dad's stall at the market, and fell in love with him on sight when she was sixteen and Stan twenty. Sara could recall every minute of that day as if it happened yesterday.
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 “This book touched me deeply. Perhaps that's because I was born in North London and the places and people were familiar. I could not put it down. I can honestly say it is one of the best in the genre I have read.”
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Please take a minute to hop on over to these blogs for more snippets from Books We Love authors.
http://mizging.blogspot.com (Ginger Simpson)
Visit my web page for info on all my books

My latest release: Kate’s Dilemma

Challenge the Heart Book 3
Buy Kate's Dilemma Here

24 July 2016

Sunday Snips & Stuff—Kate’s Dilemma is currently on sale till 30th. Here is another snippet.

Kate’s Dilemma (Challenge the Heart Book 3) can he yours for 99c at Amazon US & UK 

“Kate and Liam possess artistic temperaments, and you know that there are going to be fireworks, you just never know how many or what kind.  This is a fun and interesting exploration into love and all its trials.  It starts with a pair of matchmaking siblings, is complicated by a teenaged crush, and is upset by mixed signals, and a sizzling attraction that is hard to resist.  This contemporary romance is a great adventure into the lives of two people who just don't recognize love when they feel it, and are really fighting a losing battle from the start.  Tricia has provided a wonderful cat and mouse relationship, with plenty of sensual overtones.  Liam and Kate are an entertaining pair, and I found this a delightful read.”  ROSE at Romance at Heart
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“Time to what?” Kate squeaked. She already knew exactly how long it took for her to fall into his arms. No time at all.

“To grow to like one another. To find that we can’t live without each other. To see that we were meant for each other. To get married and produce a handful of kids.” He stared down at his fingers linked before him. Kate was taken aback by the cynicism rife in his tone. “You get the idea? It’s what they are setting us up for.”

“Oh yes, I’d clean forgotten.” Kate tamped down her disappointment. All right, she had thrown herself at him last night, but she could have sworn he returned her desire—fancied her as much as she had the hots for him.

“But,” he continued after a thoughtful minute. “There’s no logical reason why we can’t pretend for their sakes that we are heading down the path they’ve mapped out for us. We’re two grown-ups. We can take care of ourselves.” One of his brows went up. “We can take care of ourselves, can’t we?”

Kate could do nothing but nod.

“Well, then. What’s to stop us having a bit of fun with them, and enjoying ourselves along the way, hmm?”

“And what exactly did you have in mind when you say ‘enjoy ourselves’?” she asked warily.

“Well.” He rubbed his palms together. “We both agree that we don’t go in for that serious stuff of tangles and commitments, right? So why not enjoy each other. There’s no denying the spark of something between us. Call it animal magnetism, or pure lust, if you will. Whatever it is, we could give it a trial run.”

“Just what are you suggesting?” Kate was beginning to shake and he held up a hand as he studied her face, which was so hot she was sure it had turned crimson.

“What I’m suggesting is that we share a friendship and see how it goes from there. Okay?”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Please hop on over to these fantastic blogs for more snips & Stuff:
http://mizging.blogspot.com (Ginger Simpson)
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You can read more snippets and reviews along with the buy links here on my Web Page




20 July 2016

Lisa's Home for Books: A Heart In Conflict-

I'm on Lisa's blog as part of my blog tour. Please go on over and leave a comment--Tricia


Lisa's Home for Books: A Heart In Conflict-: A Heart In Conflict by Tricia McGill ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ GENRE : Romance, Contemporary ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ BLURB: A Heart...

17 July 2016

Another Snippet from Kate's Dilemma (Challenge the Heart Book 3)

Sunday Snips & Stuff--Kate's Dilemma is available now at Amazon https://amzn.com/B01HF04KVC

“Kate and Liam possess artistic temperaments, and you know that there are going to be fireworks, you just never know how many or what kind.  This is a fun and interesting exploration into love and all its trials.  It starts with a pair of matchmaking siblings, is complicated by a teenaged crush, and is upset by mixed signals, and a sizzling attraction that is hard to resist.  This contemporary romance is a great adventure into the lives of two people who just don't recognize love when they feel it, and are really fighting a losing battle from the start.  Tricia has provided a wonderful cat and mouse relationship, with plenty of sensual overtones.  Liam and Kate are an entertaining pair, and I found this a delightful read.” ROSE at Romance at Heart

What happens when two people who are both of the same mind—this being to steer
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well clear of emotional entanglements—are struck down by instant attraction.
Kate last met Liam when she was bridesmaid at her sister’s wedding. A gangly, uncertain fourteen year old, going through the painful problems associated with growing up, she took an instant dislike to Liam, who made fun of her. When her recently widowed sister talks her into reluctantly accompanying her to her brother-in-law’s home, which was built by its owner, architect Liam, Kate falls in love with the house and, unfortunately for her, finds that she soon has corresponding feelings for the man who owns it.
Meanwhile, Liam cannot believe that the tall, insecure teenager he met at his brother’s wedding years ago has blossomed into this beautiful, talented woman. His inbuilt antennae that had served him well, stood every chance of being annihilated if he didn’t watch out.  

Kate opened one eye and peered around. A wave of dizziness swept over her as she moved her head on the pillow, and she groaned. Good grief, she felt awful.

“Must have had too much of the sun,” she mumbled, in the moment before she remembered. Clutching at her throbbing head, she groaned again, louder.

What in heaven’s name had she done? She’d never been ashamed of her body—well not since she’d developed into a reasonably shaped woman, and she wasn’t about to start now. But nevertheless she cringed as she recalled how she’d thrown that body at Liam.

What must he think of her? And just how was she ever going to face him? If not for Viola she could possibly consider sneaking away before anyone noticed she’d gone. But that was out of the question. She groaned again.

She’d done a few foolish things in her life, but none could cap this. Pulling the sheet over her head she decided that facing him was going to have to wait until she was more in control of herself. Vaguely she remembered him saying something along those lines. Something about her not being in control of her faculties. Oh yes! He could say that again. In all her adult life she’d never lost it so completely.

With a sigh of resignation she pushed back the sheet and gingerly put her feet to the floor. The sunlight pouring in through the window dazzled her, and the room revolved. Her head throbbed. God, what had Liam put in that drink?

With an unladylike scramble she ducked into the bathroom, glad Viola wasn’t about. When the world stopped revolving quite so ferociously she bent to run a bath. Easing into the warm water she sighed. She wallowed in it for ages—until she stopped writhing with shame. Worse than her wanton behavior was the realization that he had been the one to curtail their lovemaking. She quailed at the prospect of coming face to face with him. Then again, how much worse would it be if he hadn’t been the one to stop it before things went past the point of no return? Staring at her reflection she pulled a face.

She lingered over dressing, deciding to don a pair of shorts and a loose top of apricot and white stripes. It was after eleven, so with a bit of luck he might have gone out on his boat. Or perhaps he was in the turret, painting.

But he was at neither location. When Kate descended the stairs sheepishly, there he sat at the dining table, his long legs stretched out at ease, a mug of coffee in one hand and the other idly mussing his hair.

Every cell in her body melted as his eyes met hers and lingered. “Good morning, Katie,” he drawled, unwinding his long frame to hold out a chair for her. “How are you this bright and sunny morning?” He gestured for her to sit.

“I’m fine,” she lied.

He seemed to be highly amused, no doubt having a good laugh at her expense. Kate shivered as his arm brushed hers. So, it hadn’t been the drink entirely that set her off last night. She could feel a tingle to the tips of her toes as his eyes lingered on her mouth.

With trembling hands she poured a cup of coffee and curved her fingers about the mug to conceal their shaking.

“Oh good.” He sat again and folded his arms across his chest as he peered at her. “Can I get you anything? A bowl of cereal? A slice of toast? A hair of the dog that bit you?”

Please take a moment to visit these blogs for more Sunday Snips & Stuff:
http://mizging.blogspot.com (Ginger Simpson)
Visit my web page for excerpts, reviews and buy links for all my books
Books We Love-where you will find a book to suit all tastes

3 July 2016

Sunday Snips & Stuff—A Snip from Tricia McGill’s latest release Kate’s Dilemma (Challenge the Heart Book 3)

What happens when two people who are both of the same mind—this being to steer well clear of emotional entanglements—are struck down by instant attraction.

Kate last met Liam when she was bridesmaid at her sister’s wedding. A gangly, uncertain fourteen year old, going through the painful problems associated with growing up, she took an instant dislike to Liam, who made fun of her. When her recently widowed sister talks her into reluctantly accompanying her to her brother-in-law’s home, which was built by its owner, architect Liam, Kate falls in love with the house and, unfortunately for her, finds that she soon has corresponding feelings for the man who owns it.
Meanwhile, Liam cannot believe that the tall, insecure teenager he met at his brother’s wedding years ago has blossomed into this beautiful, talented woman. His inbuilt antennae that had served him well, stood every chance of being annihilated if he didn’t watch out.
Buy here

“Now what are you up to?” Liam, changed into dry shorts and T-shirt, was just passing her open door. “Good God, woman, you’re wetter than before,” he scolded, entering the room. Going into the bathroom he brought out another towel. Sitting on the edge of her bed, he ordered, “Come here. I’ll dry your hair.”

Shakily Kate obeyed, and he drew her towards him until she stood between his spread knees. “Kneel down.” Like a tractable child she obeyed, her head bent forward, her hands coming to rest on his thighs. He began to rub at her head rhythmically.

“Mm,” she muttered. “You have magical hands.” He grunted. “Why don’t you like me?” She bit her lip as the childish question blundered out.

“Where did you get that idea from?” he asked, his hands pressing flat on her head as he stopped their movement.

“You were rude to me when I was fourteen and you didn’t seem too pleased with me when I arrived.”

He made a funny sound. Kate wasn’t sure if it was a raspberry or a grunt. “I thought we’d clarified that I find you attractive, talented, and very desirable.” His hands were now resting one on each side of her head. “On top of all that I think you have seductive eyes.”

Pushing back the towel Kate peered up at him, her hands moving beneath his shirt to rest on his chest. He made no move to stop her, but gasped some unintelligible word as her fingertips began to trace small circles on his skin.

“Do you really think I’m beautiful?” she asked huskily.

“Are you kidding? I know many women who would kill to have legs like yours. And your hair is fabulous.” Pulling the damp towel from her head he tossed it to the floor. Then he sifted his fingers through the damp strands with fingers, she noted, that trembled slightly.

“I’m too long,” she grumbled. Pushing at his thighs, she struggled to her feet. In her effort to stand, the towel became unfastened. “Whoops.”

As she made a grab for it, trying to hitch it back in place Liam stopped her, tugging it free. Kate let it go and it fell with a soft thud at their feet.

“You’re slender, and majestic, and right now, Katie, not only do I think you beautiful, but I more than like you. I worship you.” His voice had grown hoarse and his eyes hot with desire as they settled on her breasts.

“I’m blotto,” she mumbled, in a last ditch attempt at lightness.

“You sure are,” he agreed.

Kate drew herself up to her full height, transfixed by his obvious desire for her, by the glint that turned his eyes to silver.

It was sheer madness to behave like this. It was time to defuse this charge of something elemental arcing between them. “Do you know many women with short, stumpy legs?” she asked.

“Thousands.” Liam frowned. Her delicate brows were drawn together, and he tried to concentrate on them instead of letting his eyes rove over the delectable curves so blatantly displayed.

While changing earlier, he’d chastised himself, coming to the conclusion it would be best if he didn’t touch her again. This was getting way out of hand. But how could he resist this siren? The enticing scent of her skin was driving him nuts. Her fascinating eyes were filled with undisguised emotion. The lure of her magnificent body stirred his blood until he felt that if he didn’t take her in his arms and kiss her, until she surrendered to this primitive need firing his blood, he’d go completely insane.

 “Kate and Liam possess artistic temperaments, and you know that there are going to be fireworks, you just never know how many or what kind.  This is a fun and interesting exploration into love and all its trials. This contemporary romance is a great adventure into the lives of two people who just don't recognize love when they feel it, and are really fighting a losing battle from the start. Tricia has provided a wonderful cat and mouse relationship, with plenty of sensual overtones.  Liam and Kate are an entertaining pair, and I found this a delightful read.” ROSE at Romance at Heart
Please take a moment to hop on over to these author blogs for more Sunday Snips & Stuff:
http://mizging.blogspot.com (Ginger Simpson)

And visit my Web Page for more reviews and excerpts

A Troubled Heart--pre-released

  Order now for January 24 release Unsure of his real past or name, Finn O’Connor thinks he was born in Ireland and taken from his mother as...