TUESDAY TALES - FREE READS FROM 12 AUTHORS

Welcome and thanks for stopping by. Our authors are writing to the prompt of "ice" today, so appropriate with winter approaching. 

Jean Joachim (Contemporary romance)
"Carrie and Grey at Christmas"

      Carrie rolled over in bed and placed her hands flat against Grey’s bare chest.

    “Good morning,” she whispered, unwilling to disturb the quiet of the house.

    “Merry Christmas,” he whispered back, sliding his hand down
the smooth skin of her side and over to squeeze her rump.

Michael Charton

 The Zamboni machine just finished making the ice sparkle.  The lines for the goalies’ creases, the blue and red center lines stand out.

Karen Cino (Contemporary Romance)

“Hello.”  Billy pushed open Alexandra’s door with his shoulder while struggling with the bags in his arms.  “Alexandra, are you home?”

            “I’m upstairs.  Give me a few minutes to finish putting the laundry away and I’ll be right down.”

Kay Springsteen (Contemporary romance)

People always seemed surprised to find that war wasn’t a string of constant bloody battles. More often than not it involved watching and waiting, especially these days. Lieutenant Peter “Rabbit” Kincaid usually hated the waiting. Tonight, though, he wished the waiting would go on another day.

Lindsay Downs (Romantic mystery)
As she let her eyes glance around the smoke filled bar she hooked a thumb into the back pocket of her hip hugging jeans. The action helped draw her shoulders back emphasizing her slightly tanned near perfect breasts peering out from a lacey midriff baring tank top.

Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy

Despite the weather bureau’s dire predictions Shelby didn’t expect ice.  Maybe a bit of sleet or a little freezing rain but she never imagined what an ice storm could do.   She’d seen a few times when enough freezing rain coated roads and power lines to make driving slick and power questionable but when the first sharp pellets of ice pummeled her home, she began to wonder just what would happen.   

J.R. Jenkins (Contemporary) I do feel stung though. Not about his irrational firing of me, but rather the part where he said I wasn’t good enough for her. I kind of already know that. She’s so independent and so smart and beautiful. She should be seeing a guy who can offer her a lot more than what I can, that’s for sure. A guy who doesn’t barely make it by and doesn’t have such a screwed up past. A past that he’s still paying for. She doesn’t care. She tells me this all the time, but that doesn’t change the fact that I care. I care a lot.

Kathleen Ball (Modern Cowboy Romance)The wind blew hard, howling incessantly down the chimney. Summer added some wood to the fire. It's wasn't the fire that caused the ice shard in her heart  to start melting. It was seeing Stone shirtless, his hard chest muscles made her throb and his rock hard abs led her think of things she has no business thinking.

Stefan Ellery (Sci Fi /Fantasy)
They entered the quarry, being careful not to slip on the loose dirt,
on the way down to the bottom. when they reached a level surface Kai pulled out a small object that looked very much like a cell phone. Paul glanced at the screen and saw some red dots placed all over a map of the quarry.
  
E.A. Irwin (mainstream fiction)
“Quit pacing, you’re giving me vertigo! Are you trying to wear a tunnel in the floor so you can escape?”
 “Shut up.”

Lena Hart (Romantic Suspense)“Oh my God, this is not happening,” Amber shrieked. She began tugging at her bound hands but his grip held fast. “You don’t understand, I can’t stay here. Someone’s trying to kill me!"

Linna Drehmel (Sci Fi/Fantasy)

Although the tree felt good and solid at her back, she felt a peculiar tingle of magic through its bark. She really didn’t ponder too much on this odd sensation as Bal’thon stood right in front of her planting his hands on the tree each just above her shoulders.

If you want to join us in writing to a prompt, just email me, Jean Joachim at sunnydaysbook@gmail.com for details.

TUESDAY TALES - FREE READS FROM 11 AUTHORS

Welcome and thanks for stopping by. Our authors are writing to the prompt of Thanks or Thanksgiving, so appropriate for this week!  Have a great holiday, we are all thankful for your, our readers!

Jean Joachim (Contemporary romance)

Though it was only eight o’clock, the phone rang. Delia jumped.
“Who the hell can that be at this hour?”

Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy - Mainstream Fiction

"Bill Thanksgiving Goose"

As November waned with gray skies, moving toward December with the decrepit speed of an old man, Anna wondered what she might cook for Thanksgiving.  Turkey prices soared beyond her meager budget and she hoped they might gather up enough money to buy a fat hen.  She could make dumplings with it, she thought, a fine meal and far better than their usual fare of beans or potatoes.  President Roosevelt might say Americans had nothing to fear but fear itself but then he wasn’t trying to feed five little hungry mouths or keep a roof over their heads the way she and Bill did.

Karen Cino  (Contemporary Romance)

Billy threw another log into the blazing fireplace.  This was the first Thanksgiving in a long time that a four-inch coating of snow lined the narrow city streets. 

            Alexandra couldn’t have been happier this year.  Her life finally felt complete, for she had found the life she yearned for with the man she couldn’t live without.

Lindsay Downs Mystery

The faint distant sound of a helicopter diverted Master Sergeant Blake Dahill's attention from the job at hand, cleaning his M4 carbine. He cocked his head to confirm the flight path and let out a frustrated groan, the CH 47 was headed in their direction.

Alexandra Christian (Historiacl Romance)

Temperance sat on the edge of the bay, looking out over the November sunset.  She thought about all the ways in which her life had changed since coming to this strange new land nearly a year ago.  Her mother and father had decided in the summer of her eighteenth year, after losing their land to the tyranny of King James, that they would begin again in the wilds of this New World.

Stefan Ellery (Sci Fi)
  Paul, walked out into the earths atmosphere, seeing the night sky in a way he had never done in his life.  He was so thrilled he laid down on his back to look at the stars twinkling in the darkness of space.  He could see so much more with just his naked eye than the telescope he used.

Kathleen Ball(Modern Cowboy Romance)

"Summer's Desire"

Stone could kick himself. All he wanted was Summer in his life and in his bed. He'd thought about her and their lovemaking every day for the last ten years. He'd been living in his own private hell and now his actions had dumped both Rachael and Summer into hell with him.

Linna Drehmel (Sci Fi Fantasy)

Bal’thon gripped Natalie’s hand tight as he led her through the dense forest. She had a hard time keeping up with him as he was moving so fast. Natalie heard the crunch of dry leaves on the ground and wondered when they would stop.

J.F. Jenkins (Contemporary)

One of the best things about having a kid is that you can use the kid for an easy excuse to get out of just about anything. After all of the drama that went down at the decorating, I was very ready to get out of there.

Lena Hart (Romantic Suspense)

Amber felt light-headed from the anticipation. The pan began to weigh heavily in her hands. She needed to call for help. She immediately thought of Detective Sharpe. No. Austen said no police."

Cathy Greenfeder

"Wildflowers"

Like a man possessed, Ryan rode with more speed than he'd ever ridden. Years of living among the Nez Perce gave him the skill to ride like one with his horse. Charlene's cries sounded pitiful and low beneath the rumble coming their way. She walked directly in the path of the stampede. "Good Lord," Ryan shouted. "Stay there. I'm coming.

TUESDAY TALES - FREE READS FROM 10 AUTHORS

This week our authors are using the word "knife" into their stories. Click on the author's name to go to their story. Hope you enjoy them and thanks for stopping by. Want to write with us? Scroll to the end of this post to find out how. 

Jean Joachim (Contemporary Romance)

"Champagne for Christmas"

On Friday afternoon, Nina put on a tight, low cut aqua sweater and her snuggest jeans before she left to meet Clint for dinner. Knowing he was mad at her for sharing his play with her agent, Fran, she now had to convince him to take Fran’s comments to heart and agree to make some changes. 
Linna Drehmel (Sci Fi)
"His First Snow" 

On the worldof Zahomla all celebrated this special winter season, mortals as well as immortals. The winter moon alignment was tonight. It was the one night of the year where the moon of the Master, the Lord and the Guide all came together to share their life giving light with the mortal world.

Cathy Greenfeder

But an hour or so later, quiet descended as the air cleared of smoke. Thinking the battle had ended, Johanna stood. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw Dugan slinking around the corner of a wagon, knife in hand, as he edged toward Ryan.  
Johanna cocked the trigger of her pistol. "Mister," she said, steadying her hand, "surrender now or say your prayers." 

J.R. Jenkins (Contemporary) 

"Part One of an Eight Part Christmas Story"

While the rest of the retail world plans set up for the holidays the day after Halloween, Daddy keeps things much more realistic. He always says that he hates going into a store before Thanksgiving and listening to Christmas carols and seeing all of the holiday cheer, so why would he put his customers through similar torment?

Kathleen Ball (Contemporary Cowboy Romance)

"Summer's Desire" Part 15 

It grew too cold to stay outside. Summer was half surprised that Stone hadn’t come after her. Her heart squeezed painfully. She didn't have a job or a place to live. Being broke wasn't the worst of it. Having Stone lie and stab her in the back with a knife brought her to her knees.

Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy (Romance)

"The Knife and the Eagle"

  He left without word or warning beyond the troubled face he’d worn for weeks.  She’d known something was wrong.  Impossible to share a bed with someone and not know when he didn’t sleep or when he stared at the ceiling through the night and if he thought she missed the signs, she hadn’t.  

Stefan Ellery (YA, Sci Fi)

Paul may still be on his native planet but,  meeting Kai was a one step closer to reaching space.  His fear was overcome by the excitement of all the possibilities of making friends with an alien
and being in a spaceship.  He had fantasied about such thing for most of his life.

Karen Cino (Contemporary Romance)

Alexandra slid the purple off the shoulder dress over her head.  Staring into the mirror she shook her head in approval.  This had been the sixth dress that she tried on within the past ten minutes.  Tonight had to be perfect, as it was their one year anniversary.

Lindsay Downs (Mystery)

With a smile brightening her lightly tanned face she stepped out of the bridal shop. Before closing the door she turned back and said something before tucking a small card into her form fitting jeans back pocket.

Ursula Renee (Romantic Thriller) 

Daniel followed the soulful voice down the corridor to the art room, where Nia sat on a stool with her back to the door. He stopped and listened as she sang The 5th Dimension’s Last Night I Didn’t Get to Sleep at All. Doreen had been right; Nia had a beautiful voice which would have earned her awards if she had decided to go professional.

Tuesday Tales is open to all writers, published and unpublished. Email me, Jean Joachim, at sunnydaysbook@gmail.com to find out how to join us. Participation every week is not mandatory. Come join us, it's fun!

TUESDAY TALES - FREE READS FROM 9 AUTHORS

This week our authors are incorporating "wedding" into their stories. Click on the author's name to go to their story. Hope you enjoy them and thanks for stopping by. Want to write with us? Scroll to the end of this post to find out how.

Jean Joachim (Contemporary romance)
Carrie sat on the velvet window seat in her strapless bra, panties and slip and looked out the master bedroom window at the large expanse of lawn. A few people were hurrying around, putting up a huge tent and setting up tables.

Cathy Greenfeder

Feeling utterly miserable, Johanna decided to go out and walk along the stockade. The moon shone in   brilliant white ribbons, skimming off the stream that ran past the fort. Here and there, Johanna caught sight of a couple walking together and she felt a pain of jealousy and loss. "I thought I'd find you here," the familiar, deep voice called from behind her.

Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy

"Louisiana Wedding: Cara and Will"

If that priest, an old man with half-blind eyes, had any idea what we were, my love and I, he would have never married us. We broke every rule that the Catholic Church has about marriage, anyway. There was no pre-marital counseling, no pre-Cana training, nothing but Will and I, standing before an altar in a quiet church in Coushatta, Louisiana, a little wide spot in the road somewhere southeast of Shreveport.

  

J.R. Jenkins (Contemporary)

 I walk into the shop and see Princess there, stop dead in my tracks, and groan loudly. What is she doing here anyway? She’s not supposed to work closing shifts. Raven isn’t doing music, so why is she here? I thought I was working with my brother? Maybe he’s running late.

“Yeah, I’m not happy about it either worthless,” she says and walks off to the back room.

Karen Cino (Contemporary Romance)

“I can’t believe I’m getting married in just a few short hours,” Alexandra said.
"Neither can I,” her best friend Dee said.  “This has been a long time coming.”
“Yes it has.”  Looking in the mirror she pointed below her eye,” Can you give me another coat of eyeliner?”

Kathleen Tighe Ball (Cowboy Romance)

"Summer's Desire 14"

"Can I be the flowergirl?"
Summer looked at Rachael in shock."For what sweetheart?"
"For you and Daddy's wedding.You'll wear white and I can wear pink. Daddy said it was a done deal."
That low down snake! How was she supposed to tell this hopeful child that her father makes things up? 

Lindsay Downs (Romantic Suspense) 
The sound of a car horn outside the office window drew Emily's head to the clock on the lower right corner of her computer screen. Right on time. Now to sneak out.

Stefan Ellery (YA Sci Fi, Fantasy)

Paul back pedaled until he hit one of the globules, causing it to make a sick burping sound.  The thing ahead immediately moved towards his direction. He backed up further and felt his back press against the warm wall. He couldn't’ hide feeling defeated he slumped his shoulders. 

Linna Drehmel (YA, Gothic Horror,PG)

Gottlieb watched with eyes that pierced the darkness as his new vonehe son sped past him with the strength of a Darkon into the woods. He felt the burning pain of betrayal that emanated from Wilhelm.

Join the Tuesday Tales Writers -
 You do not have to be a published writer. You must have a blog and a Facebook page. Friend me, Jean Joachim, on Fb and I'll put you into our group. The instructions for how to participate and the prompt list are on the page. It's that simple. Write with us, we'd love to have you.

TUESDAY TALES - FREE READS FROM 9 AUTHORS

This week our authors are incorporating "pleasure" into their stories. Click on the author's name to go to their story. Hope you enjoy them and thanks for stopping by. Want to write with us? Scroll to the end of this post to find out how.

Jean Joachim (Contemporary romance) Rate R

"The Marriage List"

She lifted his face up and stared into his eyes, smoky with desire. She kissed him, moving her tongue into his mouth, taking him, pressing her body against his. She wanted him, too, had wanted him for weeks. Then she pulled back.

Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy

Lake Taneycomo 1924"

   A cool breeze rippled the surface of the lake as he walked across the dance pavilion toward her, different and dangerous, a leopard among paint ponies.   Even his smell was raw and masculine, an intoxicating fragrance that combined bay rum with bathtub gin.   He wasn’t smiling but his grey eyes burned with a living fire that ignited her senses into flame

J.R. Jenkins (Contemporary)

Tonight is the night of my last hurrah. If I’m ever going to get Gavin to take me seriously, I know I’m in for an overhaul in lifestyle choices. My brother thinks this is a good direction for me anyway. After all, anyone knows Gav is too much of a gentleman to ever do the things Brandon did to me. It’s not like I had anything to be afraid of, you know, beyond getting my heart broken again.

Kathleen Tighe Ball (Contemporary Cowboy Romance)

"Summer's Desire"

The snow glistened like fairy dust in the sun. The clouds overhead promised even more. It wasn’t something that she was used to. It was fortunate that she had bought warm clothes for the Alaskan cruise. She could hardly afford a cup of coffee these days.

Stefan Ellery (Y.A. Sci Fi)

 Paul walked in a golden field of wheat.  The sensation of the stalks

brushing on his exposed skin as he passed by filled him with pleasure.

Wind carrying the sent of distant wildflowers made him sigh with

happiness. He quickened his strides and then began to run.

Kathleen Grieve(Medical Paranormal Romance) Rated R

Sam stared at the beautiful creature before him; anger and lust a heady combination.  He struggled to keep balance.

Karen Cino 

“Thank you.”  He leaned into her, planting a quick kiss on her parted lips.  “Now let’s go shopping.”

            They walked into the next parking lot.  Alexandra let him lead the way until they stopped in front of Linda Lingerie Boutique.  Her mouth dropped open.  He brought her to a lingerie store. 




Linna Drehmel PG-13
"The Darkon One"
Wilhelm felt the blood, salty and sweet gliding sensually down his
throat. He hated it even though he craved it, needed it.   
Cathy Greenfeder (Historical western romance)
"Snow in the Rockies is a lot tougher than what you're used to in the city."

He glanced at her fine linen dress and soft leather shoes. They would be useless for the trail. The gold locket dangling on her bodice probably cost more than he could earn in a year of trapping. What did she know of hardship and danger? He leaned from the saddle, bringing his face closer to hers. "This will be a hard journey for you and your family pampered and spoiled as you all are."

Join the Tuesday Tales Writers -
 You do not have to be a published writer. You must have a blog and a Facebook page. Friend me, Jean Joachim, on Fb and I'll put you into our group. The instructions for how to participate and the prompt list are on the page. It's that simple. Write with us, we'd love to have you.

TUESDAY TALES - FREE READS FROM 11 AUTHORS

This week our authors are writing original short stories to include the prompt "Treats or Trick". Click on the name of the author to go to his or her page to read the short story. We love comments! Should we continue with our stories or start new ones? Express your opinion. We hope you'll come back every week. Thanks for stopping by. 


Jean Joachim (Contemporary romance)
"The Halloween Party"

Cal Brophy, head of the mailroom at Goodhue, Walker and Bates Advertising, walked into Mr. Goodhue’s office and sat down.

“Cal, I need your help. I want the best Halloween Party ever. Something new and different. So I’ve come up with a contest.” 
Stefan Ellery  (YA)

Paul rummaged through his closet for any clothing he could wear that would protect his body while he was outside.    He had polyester shirts and jackets but found them not to be of any use.  He had outgrown them and preferred wearing shorts. 
Cathy Greenfeder
'Playing with a Ouija Board"
"Sweet Memories" lit up with the orange and white lights she had used to decorate the storefront for Halloween. Twin pumpkins carved with hidous grins glowered from the top of the wooden steps daring her entry.
 Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy (flash fiction)
"The Fine Art of Becoming"
All Hallows Eve always swept in with swift moving clouds out of the western sky.  By then, the hint of chill lingered in the air and at night the black sky sparkled with a thousand silver stars.  The wind crept through the bare branches of the trees and rattled them with a sound like dry bones.  Magic seeped into the collective consciousness from some alternate reality or ancient past.  Pagan whispers filled the air with unheard song and something within Leslie hearkened to them even if she could not understand their message. 
Kathleen Tighe Ball  (Cowboy Contemporary Romance)
"Summer's Desire"

 Looking at her rapidly depleting checking account, Summer wanted to be sick. It had been two months since she’d been fired and still she’d had no luck finding a job. It wasn’t for the lack of trying, Mimi’s father had somehow gotten word out that she was not rehirable. 
Lindsay Downs (Suspense/Mystery)

"You ready to go Emily," Mary called out, barely inside the front door, which beat tripping over Patches and Dakota as they greeted each other. Of course they'd only left each other's company a mere two hours, not a lifetime as they acted, ago. 
Karen Cino (Contemporary romance)

The moment Alexandra pushed the door opened the sound of classic rock and roll blared out.  Before she could join the party, a woman in a gothic vampire costume stopped her in the doorway with blood red lipstick on her plump lips. 

Siobhan Kincade (Horror) 

"Trick or Treat"

A piece of candy landed in the bottom of the empty bucket, starting the night off in a good way for Kelly and her toddler son, who wore a bright orange pumpkin-suit. 
Kathleen Grieve (Medical Romance/Paranormal) Rated NC-17

Femme Fatale Agent, Scarlet Reed watched as the balding overweight man scurried across the street. In his haste, he stumbled, not once, but twice. Sweat and fear emanated from him in waves. 
J.F. Jenkins (Contemporary)

“Aren’t you two precious, dressing in a cliche couples costume.” Princes teases, eyeing me in my simple angel costume. Wings, halo, and some facial glitter. I’ve never been the type to get super into Halloween though.

Brill sputters in his drink, coughing and spilling coffee down his chin. “What?” 
Linna Drehmel(YA, Sci/Fi)

Fredrik crouched in the tree, trying not to laugh. He knew that at the age of eighteen he was too old for these kinds of antics, but he couldn’t help himself. Symon was an easy target, and always forgave him without reporting him to The Ambassador or the Councilors for improper conduct.

Would you like to join us? You do not have to be a published author to take part. Email me, Jean Joachim at sunnydaysbook@gmail.com for details. 

TUESDAY TALES - FREE READS FROM 7 AUTHORS

This week our authors are writing original short stories to include the prompt "massage". Click on the name of the author to go to his or her page to read the short story. We love comments! Should we continue with our stories or start new ones? Express your opinion. We hope you'll come back every week. Thanks for stopping by. 

Stefan Ellery (YA Sci Fi)

Paul laid in bed unable to think beyond what was out there in the night. What struck the ground and left a glow that continued on for hours.  There was no fire. He was sure he would know if there were. The trees were intact and only the birds fled. Besides if their were a fire would he not see the flames licking the tops of the trees?

J.R. Jenkins (Contemporary romance)

 Her hands feel like heaven on my back. They’re soft, sweet, and warm. All of the things I’ve missed about women all rolled into one. It’s enough to make me reconsider my no dating rule.

Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy (Fantasy)

"Magic Fingers Massage"

Too many hours, a day stretching from sunrise to long after sunset left Daphne with just enough energy to sprawl across the bed in the cheap motel room she’d rented.  With the convention in town all the name brand chain hotels were booked and it’d taken over an hour to find this little homegrown motel on the old highway loop. 

Kathleen Tighe Ball (Contemporary Cowboy Romannce)

Summer rushed around making sure that everyone was packed and ready to leave. Personally she couldn’t wait to get off the ship and never look back.  Maybe she had been the one that walked away from Stone’s explanations but seeing him massaging a total stranger by the pool last night broke something inside her. 

Karen Cino(Contemporary Romance)

The fire Alexandra felt from Billy’s lips drove her insane.  Could she be living a dream that she was about to wake up from?   She took a quick peak at Billy whose eyes remained closed.  

Siobhan Kincade (Paranormal Romance)

Markus lay across the bed, face down with his legs propped up on a pillow.  He hated himself for not being able to do more for Sadie and the rest of their clan.

Linna Drehmel (Sci Fi )

"Burning"

Second Councilor Fredrik is a happy person. He has always found joy in service to the HEART. He had never wanted anything more than to serve the HEART of their world and to serve the HEARTs children. It was all he ever wanted.

 Would you like to join us? You do not have to be a published author to take part. Email me, Jean Joachim at sunnydaysbook@gmail.com for details.