Beach Kisses, Sunset Wishes by Nora LeDuc (VBT, guest post, excerpt, and GIVEAWAY) GFT

I have the pleasure of sharing a guest post by author Nora LeDuc, who shares insights...

ELF:  What is your writing process?

 

ND:  I don’t have a disciplined writing process. But here is what I do.

 

Pre-write: An idea sparks in my mind from an article, a movie, a television program, or from out of the blue. I think about it while I’m doing something else, vacuuming, folding the laundry, walking, or supposedly watching TV. In my developing scene, there are of course, characters. Often, it’s a Romantic Suspense, RS, and opens with a crime. It might be a Contemporary Romance, CR, and the heroine or hero meet cute or through a problem or and/or a life-changing event like a relative dying, a surprise visitor returns. I replay the start in my imagination, adjusting the action. I sit at my keyboard and type it.

 

The Beginning: The setting develops around my characters and their goals, motivation and conflict, GMC. Getting the GMC up front and on the first page is vital. I contemplate where to include the background info and the descriptions as I write. Who is with them?  Why are they in the novel and what’s driving them? I ponder if one will have a mentor and when he or she must come in.

 

I choose the upcoming turning points and where I want them to take place. These are my guideposts that prevent my story from running amok. Minor characters develop as I determine how they connect to the main plot line and each other. I ask myself, how can I deepen the mystery? Should I use a surprise, a wrongdoing, or clue? In CR how do I increase their external and internal obstacles? How do I gradually raise the sexual tension? I reach decisions or and the  words flow.

 

Middle At this time, the h/h act on their attraction for each other in some way. They share a kiss or more. They could simply realize a quality or a piece of history about the opposite major character that brings them closer. Immediately, there’s a mini-crisis. The heroine’s dad could go missing, and this slows the pair’s relationship. In a contemporary romance, an old flame shows up or a secret slips out. These problems heighten the pressure and keeps the protagonists emotionally apart. Everything grows darker and insurmountable. All is lost. We’ve reached the dark moment.

 

Ending Usually, I know the conclusion. Sometimes, I don’t. I consider many possibilities. I lie on the sofa and stare into space as I wonder who the heck is the killer? How will I finally get the leads to admit the love they’re hiding and overcome the fact he’s shutting down her family’s business (just an example)? Somewhere in my head are the answers.

 

Once it took me two weeks to write the last two chapters in a RS because I couldn’t figure out why and who had done it. Then the lightbulb went off…it came to me. I saw all the clues and the motivations were already in the manuscript. The conflicts/problems/mysteries are solved. Barriers are gone. The couple get together. I complete my book. I celebrate for a minute. Now I revise and edit.

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Beach Kisses, Sunset Wishes

by 

Nora LeDuc

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GENRE: Contemporary Romance

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NOTE: This book is part of a multibook box set.

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BLURB:

LAST CHANCE BEACH is the island paradise where dreams go to live again and wishes may come true. It’s Summer’s End on the island, and the cottages, condos, hotels, and bungalows are filled to capacity.

There’s still plenty of time to find summer fun and summer love, new romances and second chances; hot alpha males and heartwarming heroes, beach bunnies, dudes, and romance popping up when you least expect it.

Throw a log on the beach bonfire tonight and celebrate LAST CHANCE BEACH: Summer’s End, a special collection of 14 short stories from bestselling authors—all new, never published before—that will thrill the hopeful romantic in you. Some stories are sweet; some are sizzling hot. All will touch your heart and make you want to book a vacation to LAST CHANCE BEACH!

Authors and Titles:

Hot August Night by Joan Reeves, NY Times and USA Today Bestselling Author

Can a chef and a hot dog loving cop resist desire when they’re forced to share the same overbooked beach cottage?

Something New by Liz Flaherty, USA Today Bestselling Author

Their lives are all planned out--until they're not.

I Do…Again by Nancy Fraser, Amazon Top 100 Author

Can they re-ignite what they once had and take a last chance on love?

The Man in Gull Cottage by Caroline Clemmons, Amazon Top 100 Author

Will the solution to her dilemma drive them apart or into one another's arms?

That One Summer by Maddie James, Amazon Top 100 Author

He's the one who got away. She's the one who couldn't commit.

Romancing the Spouse by Jan Scarbrough, Amazon Bestselling Author

Can she turn back the clock to save her marriage?

Blue Sky Summer by Kathleen Lawless, Amazon Bestselling Author

Of all the beaches on the coast, who does she see again? Him!

Hangover Husband by Bonnie Edwards, Amazon Bestselling Author

What happens in Vegas doesn't always stay there

One Last Shot by Marcia King-Gamble, National Bestselling Author

She can run, but can she hide?  Will love still find her?

Secondhand Hearts by Kathryn Hills, Award Winning Author

Life takes you down many winding paths. Will theirs lead to love on Last Chance Beach?

Paradise Perfume by Connie Vines, Award Winning Author

Fragrance and love cannot be hidden.

Dreams of the Past by Laura Hunsaker, Award Winning Author

Can dreams of the future erase her nightmares of the past?

Beach Kisses & Sunset Wishes by Nora LeDuc

She wants someone interested in a fling. He wants someone interested in a ring.

Frankie McKinley’s last three relationships went up in flames. Her best bud insists she needs to relax, have a fling. But Frankie’s not into casual hookups. She vows to resist the lure of romantic Last Chance Beach and take a break from men. She’ll concentrate on her dream, opening a gift shop. Or so she’d promised herself until the morning her gaze locks with the handsome Sean Thomas-Michael’s sea-blue eyes.

Can't Buy Me Love by Hannah Rowan

Things aren't always what they seem.

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EXCERPT

His brows shot up with interest. His lips parted slightly. Blue eyes that matched the sea drew Frankie to him and caused a sensation of dizziness to dance in her head. She was aware she was staring, but she couldn’t stop.

The squawk of a bird broke through the scrape of forks against dishes and the murmur of voices. The noises faded away. Even the thud of her heart seemed to pause when he nodded to her.

“Attention, everyone.” A server standing nearby with a carafe of coffee interrupted Frankie’s moment. “MacDyver has been sighted.”

“Quick the food.” Tikki covered their meals with napkins.

Silverware clinked as diners dropped their utensils and popped up their overhead covers–– their futile attempt at protection. As Frankie shoved her chair back to open their umbrella, she peeked at the man.

He picked up his toast and held it for a second. The seagull struck. With one swoop MacDyver grabbed the bread from his fingertips. A hush settled over the throng, and the bird soared heavenward with a snide cackle out the side of his beak and disappeared.

All gazes fell on the stranger MacDyver had robbed as he rose to his six-foot-plus height.

Amazon link to boxed set

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Nora grew up in rural New England where she currently lives with her family. She enjoys visiting and spending time with her friends, the Winettes, in Florida, where she continues to write. Her current book, Beach Kisses, Sunset Wishes is her seventeenth. In October, Christmas at the Easy Breezy will be released. You can find Nora on Amazon, Goodreads, Facebook and her website: Noraleduc.com. She also contributes to the Romance Gems’ Blog every month.

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GIVEAWAY



a Rafflecopter giveaway



The tour dates can be found here


 

Midnight Girl by Nora LeDuc (Spotlight, excerpt, review, and GIVEAWAY) GFT

Midnight Girl

by Nora LeDuc

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GENRE: Mystery/Romantic Suspense

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BLURB:

When a teenager mysteriously disappears in Hawick Falls, New Hampshire, Lisa Raynes fears her kidnapper, who recently escaped from prison, is hunting girls again. She also believes he’s targeted her for his next victim when she receives a threatening message. To add to her problems, her ex-boyfriend Travis Bodell, nephew of her captor, shows up in town. Five years ago, he promised to love Lisa forever, but he left her to start a new life. Trusting him was a mistake she will never repeat.

Bad boy Travis Bodell has a history of run-ins with the law. The police suspect he came back to aid his uncle, not to warn Lisa she’s in danger. With the investigation going nowhere, Travis focuses on Lisa who identifies with the missing teen and wants to find her. To keep Lisa safe, he offers to help her search. She refuses until loving memories of their past surface, and she finally accepts his proposal. Working together arouses strong feelings of attraction that neither will admit.

As time runs out for the kidnap victim, disturbing threats against Midnight Girl, Lisa’s online name, grow. She realizes the only way to stay alive is to open her heart and put her faith in Travis, but can she let go of her doubts and lingering hurt? Can the couple join forces and win against a cunning criminal fueled by hate?

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EXCERPT

She walked out of the house. The spotlight flicked on and caught the creeping fog. Her footsteps scuffed over the grass. Dampness chilled her legs and arms. The recent email replayed in her thoughts. Payback is a bitch.

“Lisa?”

She spotted him. Too late. She gasped as his fingers wrapped around her forearm. She lifted up the poker and swung.

“Stop. Stop.” He ducked and shot his hands over his head while backing up. “It’s me, Travis. Take it easy.”

She paused with the fire iron in the air. “I know who you are. That’s why I’m trying to hit you.”

Travis Bodell, the boy she went to meet the night she was kidnapped. Was it him? She examined his face for traces of the person she’d loved.

The teenage Travis had preferred to hide his eyes and thoughts under his tousled dark hair. This dude wore a shorter cut, but his style was long enough to look uncombed and gave her a clear view of his features. His tan suggested he’d spent hours in the sun. Travis always loved the outdoors. She swept her gaze over his bristled chin, wide mouth, and the u-shaped scar on his left cheek. It was him! She lowered her arm with the iron.

Why in the name of purgatory was he here? They’d broken up a month after graduation. Her anger resurfaced. “Hold still so I can at least punch you.” She raised her fist.

Amazon link

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Nora grew up in rural New England and still lives here. She has enjoyed combining my love of true crime shows with her imagination to produce romantic suspense and mysteries that you keep you guessing.

You can find Nora on her website

Facebook: Nora LeDuc-author,

Amazon author page

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GIVEAWAY







a Rafflecopter giveaway


The tour dates can be found here



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My review:

3.5 out of 5 stars

Midnight Girl by Nora LeDuc is part of the ‘Love & Mystery in the 6-oh-3’ series. This story centers around former kidnap victim Lisa Raynes who must deal with the frightening news that her captor has escaped. The nightmare she is still recovering from may be about to start all over again, and discerning friend from foe may prove pivotal to whether she will survive.

This contemporary mystery can be read as a stand-alone story, although one would undoubtedly appreciate more of the nuances if the preceding books have also been read. One cannot help but ache for the past experiences that the heroine has fought to overcome, and the mounting terror that accompanies the events that play out is nicely depicted. I was frustrated by her actions at many points in the story as it seemed as she deliberately placed herself in harm’s way, and her hot/cold relationship with her ex(es) was also annoying. I did like the red herrings, and I was charmed by the feisty elderly woman who had me cheering for her, but for me, the jury is still out on the police force that seems a bit ineffective. I’m also not quite sure what the series name alludes to, but perhaps I missed the explanation. Those who are already fans of the series will enjoy revisiting familiar characters and those new to this town will have to make up their own minds about how alluring it is!

A copy of this title was provided to me for review

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Sweet Dreams Baby by Nora LeDuc (Spotlight, excerpt, review, and GIVEAWAY) GFT

Sweet Dreams Baby

by Nora LeDuc

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GENRE: Romantic Suspense

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BLURB:

Who killed Judge Shaw Buchanan aka “the hanging judge,” on the day of his wife’s funeral?

When Harper Buchanan, the judge’s estranged daughter, witnesses her father’s murder in the small town of Barley, New Hampshire, she promises to find his escaped killer. She hires local private investigator, Finn O’Rourke to track down the shooter. Soon, they are working together, and Harper finds herself drawn to Finn’s looks, smarts, and self-reliance. But she’s fallen for the wrong type of man before. She vows not to repeat her mistake and to keep their relationship professional.



Finn does his best to deal with their growing chemistry by focusing on the job. But when someone attempts to kill Harper to prevent her from uncovering the identity of her father’s murderer, his goal changes. Harper’s protection becomes Finn’s full-time priority, even though it means risking his life for a woman who may never love him.

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EXCERPT

With Ted out of sight, her dad’s anger dropped a level. Had he given up chasing Johnson? Their driveway came into view. Please turn. Please.

He snapped the steering wheel to the left. The Audi skidded and then straightened to soar up the winding gravel drive. Pebbles flew up and thudded against the tires and the underside of his vehicle. He’d ended his chase. A small measure of hope eased the ache of terror in her chest.

Her parents’ home sat at the top of the knoll. Her shoulders throbbed with the pull of stress as the speedometer pushed fifty and they wound up the thousand-foot forested hillside.

Harper closed her eyes and whispered a prayer. The roar of the motor blocked out all other noises. The iron gate between the stone pillars drew closer and closer. Why didn’t he slow down and hit the button on the console to unlock the gates?

Maybe she should call nine-one-one, but that would enrage him too, and what could emergency responders do in a few seconds?

Ahead, the metal barrier grew larger. They were going to crash!

Amazon

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Nora grew up in rural New Hampshire, picking blueberries in her backyard and wandering the woods with her brothers. Now that she’s older, she still lives in rural New Hampshire and enjoys writing stories. She was first published in 2000 and has written historical romances, contemporary romance, romantic suspense and mystery. She is a co-founder of the New Hampshire Romance Writers chapter, which meets monthly at the Bow Library. Here she enjoys great speakers and the company of fabulous authors.

When not writing, Nora spends time with her family, sews quilts, gardens and takes road trips to anywhere fun.

Find out  more about Nora at these links:

Website
Facebook
Goodreads
Amazon Author page

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GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The tour dates can be found here


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3.75 stars

Sweet Dreams, Baby by Nora LeDuc is part of the ‘Love and Mystery in the ‘6-oh-3’ series. This story follows Harper Buchanan as her estranged relationship with her father ends abruptly with his murder. Her search for justice prompts her to enlist the aid of Finn O’Rourke, who has his own history with the inhabitants of the small town of Barley. Both Harper and Finn have their own painful histories to deal with, and their unexpected attraction complicates the investigation that just may prove to be fatal to pursue.

There are intriguing twists and turns to this mystery that includes its share of dysfunctional relationships. I love Harper’s charismatic little girl, who manages to steal whichever scene she is in, as well as Finn’s father, who is unfazed about many things (including the usurpation of his rig, lol) but I am not so in love with the main characters who feel a little stilted to me, and I wasn’t convinced of the intensity of their connection, plus the deliberate obtuseness of Harper’s ex was annoying. There are brief forays into the villain’s point of view, and the final explanation was quite a surprise to me as I didn’t think there had been a lot of foreshadowing. This is an interesting mystery that has its ups and downs but does have a satisfactory ending that is particularly relevant in terms of the headlines lately.

A copy of this title was provided to me for review

The Devil Wore Sneakers by Nora LeDuc (excerpt, review and GIVEAWAY) GFT

The Devil Wore Sneakers

by Nora LeDuc

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GENRE: Romantic Suspense, mystery

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BLURB:

Love and Mystery in the 6-oh-3 – Book 2
Who shot Lucy Watson’s estranged brother, the popular high school teacher who brought snacks for the staff and volunteered to help troubled students? When Lucy Watson returns to her hometown in New Hampshire to bury her brother, she learns law enforcement is looking into several suspects. But soon the search for the killer grows intensely personal for Lucy. The police discover a fierce argument occurred the day of the murder between Lucy’s brother and his best friend Liam McAllister, Lucy’s first love. The cops shift their focus to Liam. Determined to get justice, Lucy becomes involved in the mystery and must choose to put her faith in Liam one last time, or face the truth; she is in love with her brother’s murderer.

When former bad boy Liam McAllister runs into Lucy Watson, he feels the familiar hunger and tug of attraction that they once shared. Since their breakup five years ago, he’s regretted ending their relationship and dreams of winning her back. Now is his chance. He invites her to his bar and grill to show he’s a reformed, self-made businessman. But his plan comes apart. The bank threatens foreclosure on his establishment, and he falls under suspicion for the death of his pal and Lucy’s brother. Liam struggles to overcome his personal challenges while proving he’s changed. Can he convince Lucy to trust him, or is it too late for a second shot at love?

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EXCERPT

“We’re also investigating Liam McAllister.”

“Liam?” A knot formed in her stomach.

The chief eyed her with interest. “Surprised? How many years since you’ve seen him?”

“Five.” She forced herself to relax her fisted hands. “He wouldn’t shoot Ryan. They were friends. Even if that changed, I know Liam’s not a killer.”

“A witness who doesn’t want to be named reported them arguing near the Mad Moose bar and believed they would come to blows. Your brother died later that night.”

Strange. “What did they quarrel about?”

“We’re looking into the squabble. Any ideas?”

“Me? No.” The chief had nothing. Her head hurt, but his last accusation irritated her more than her headache. “One fight doesn’t mean Liam would shoot my brother.”

“You were engaged to McAllister once, right?”

She went still at the familiar ache inside her. She couldn’t explain what she felt when her relationship with Liam came up. Was it anger, regret, or pain over the wasted four years of dating? Maybe it was the way he’d broken up with her.

Liam had ended their relationship on the day she’d expected a proposal. Then he’d gone off to party all night. Yes, that was the problem. No matter how hard she tried to forget, their last evening together was seared into her memory.

 “Investigate him. I understand.” She grabbed the handle of her suitcase, ready to leave and end this painful conversation.

Amazon

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Nora grew up in rural New Hampshire, picking blueberries in her backyard and wandering the woods with her brothers. Now that she’s older, she still lives in rural New Hampshire and enjoys writing stories. She was first published in 2000 and has written historical romances, contemporary romance, romantic suspense and mystery. She is a co-founder of the New Hampshire Romance Writers chapter, which meets monthly at the Bow Library. Here she enjoys great speakers and the company of fabulous authors.


When not writing, Nora spends time with her family, sews quilts, gardens and takes road trips to anywhere fun.

Links for Nora LeDuc

Facebook

Goodreads

Amazon author page

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GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway


The tour dates can be found here





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My review

4 stars

The Devil Wore Sneakers by Nora LeDuc is part of the ‘Love and Mystery in the 6-oh-3’ series and centers around Lucy Watson’s search for her estranged brother’s murderer.  Actively involved in her investigation is her former love, Liam McAllister, who is struggling to cope with his sense of personal and professional obligations to her as well as the suspicions of the local police.  Added to the mix is a dangerous stalker determined to finish what he started, making danger escalate for Lucy and those around her.

This story is an entertaining mystery with several delightful twists and turns.  There are quite a few suspenseful threads, a flame that still burns between the main characters and acts as a nice catalyst for the story, and multiple secondary characters who complicate the investigation. I felt a bit overwhelmed by the various folks who seem to pop in and out of the story with no apparent purpose and I suspect that part of the problem is that this is part of a series, so there are interconnections that are not necessarily absolutely required for this particular story but would be nice to have, especially since there is a thread that is woven through and is still dangling by the end.  It would be nice to have a little more insight into the characters, but I enjoyed being surprised by the ending and recommend this story to those who like romantic suspense stories with a small town component and flawed main characters who can learn from their past mistakes.

A copy of this title was provided to me for review