Get Lost in a Story: Comedy

Showing posts with label Comedy. Show all posts

2/23/2016

More Tiki Goddess Mystery & Fun from NYT Bestselling Author Jill Marie Landis

HAWAII FIVE UH-OH!

Em and the Hula Maidens are on the case . . .

Em Johnson is prepping for the biggest catering gig she's ever booked, this time at the world famous Tiki Goddess Bar. Then she hears Kiki Godwin has just been released from the psych ward at Kukuoloko. If the unpredictable leader of the Hula Maidens isn't completely recovered from her PTMAD (Post Traumatic Monkey Attack Disorder), Em knows all hell could break loose at the upscale event.

But for once, Kiki isn't the problem. When the guest of honor's multi-million dollar paintings are stolen and a security guard turns up dead, Kiki's convinced the best way to get her mojo back is to capture the art thieves. Kiki and the girls come up with a plan to lure the felons out by staging a grand hoax. Their bait will be a cocktail party featuring paintings by the reclusive Alphonse Cappuccino, an "up and coming artist" who is none other than Kiki's furry nemesis.

Here's an excerpt:

“WHAT?” The movie producer whispered.

The last of the color drained from his face along with his anger.

A security guard with the name Leo embroidered on his shirt said, “My uncle is dead in your driveway. Someone was able to get in through your electronic gate and close it behind ’em.”

“It’s an all-in-one system. State of the art. One code works everything, and only I know the password.”

“Then it ain’t worth piss,” Leo mumbled.

Wally Williams overheard. He moaned and headed for the couch. Em asked him for her phone as he walked by. He tugged it out of his pocket. She stepped aside, turned her back on the group, and hit Detective Roland Sharpe’s number.

When his voice mail came on she whispered into the phone, “Call me. I need you.”

As if things weren’t bad enough, Em looked up and saw Kiki Godwin, self-appointed leader of the Hula Maidens walking slowly toward her with her arms out for balance and a martini glass clutched in one hand. She set the empty glass down on a cube table and smoothed down the front of her pareau.

“I’m okay. I’m okay,” she told Em.

“You sure?”

Kiki nodded. “What’s going on? I saw the stampede for the exit. People are going crazy out there yelling for their cars.”

Now was not the time to tell an already fragile Kiki what had happened next door. Em struggled to figure out what to say.

“Something is up,” Kiki pressed. “Why else would there be vomit in that vase over there? Come on and tell. You know I’ll find out one way or the other. What do you think I am? A blabbermouth?”

Em shrugged. “Kiki, really. I can’t say.”

“Okay, so maybe I am a bit talkative. Don’t you think it’s best I hear it from you and not later when the story has been blown out of proportion?”

“I guess you’ll find out anyway,” Em agreed. Kiki was right about the story being blown out of proportion. By morning folks would be circulating tales of a mound of dead bodies piled in the Delacruz driveway, not to mention hundreds of missing paintings.

Em stepped closer to Kiki and lowered her voice. “There’s been a break-in and a murder.”

“A murder? Here?” Kiki yelled.

“My house is cursed!” Wally threw himself down on the sofa and pulled a throw pillow over his face to muffle his screams.

“Not here,” Em told Kiki. “Next door at the Delacruz place.”

Kiki went dead silent for so long Em thought she’d lost the ability to speak again, but then she slowly smiled.

“I hate to admit it,” she said, “but this might be just what I need to help me snap out of my nervous breakdown.”

“What are you talking about?” Em glanced at her cell and wished Roland would call back.

“Don’t you see?” Kiki said. “Now I can focus on solving this murder, take my mind off of my, well, off of my own mind.”

“Oh, Kiki, I don’t think that’s the kind of diversion you need. How about quilting, instead?”

Kiki stared at her. “Have you lost your mind?”

Hawaii Five Uh-Oh is hilarious, non-stop action. So pour yourself a tropical beverage, kick back, and join Uncle Louie, Em, Sophie Chin, and the Hula Maidens at the always unpredictable, ever-entertaining, Tiki Goddess Bar.

About the other books in the series:

"Too Hot Four Hula is a fun, quick read with nary a lull in the engaging plot."--Fresh Fiction

"This book was truly hilarious."--Open Book Society on Too Hot Four Hula

"Smart and sassy, fun, and endearing."-- Kristin Hannah, New York Times bestselling author

Meet Jill

A seven-time Romance Writers of America finalist and winner of a RITA Award, NYT bestselling author Jill Marie Landis also now writes The Tiki Goddess Mysteries (set on the island of Kauai, Hawaii, where she lives with her husband and a spoiled cat.

Visit her world of tiki, hula maidens, and tropical fun at www.thetikigoddess.com.

Let's get to know more about Jill...

E.E.: Is writing or storytelling easier for you?

Thinking about this one, I realize they are one and the same for me. If I wasn’t a born storyteller, I think I’d probably have a harder time writing and perhaps wouldn’t write at all. I have to see the setting, characters and action in my head and then translate the scenes into written word in order to share it with readers. For me it’s much easier to write/tell the story, tell the tale, and then go back and polish up the writing than it is to try to come up with a clean manuscript right off the bat.

E.E.: What’s your favorite kind of story to get lost in?

I’m a very eclectic reader. I love any novel in any genre that keeps me riveted to the page. If the action is fast paced, the characters so real I don’t want to leave them for a minute, the setting so compelling and interesting that I want to see, feel, taste, and smell the place—well, then I’m hooked.

E.E.: Do you write while listening to music? If so what kind?

Most days I write without music. If I play Hawaiian music, then I’m too tempted to jump up and hula if I’ve learned a dance to the song. I love to sing along to music, so that’s also a distraction. Truthfully, I used to write while listening to 24 hour news channels like CNN. The television is on, but I’m not really listening. It’s just good background noise, which helps me focus on what I’m doing. I was a kindergarten teacher and so I have a pretty high tolerance for racket. In fact, if it’s too quiet I start thinking about other things and my mind wanders. If there’s background noise or something else going on, then I’m forced to focus on my work. I’m not sure that makes a lot of sense to some writers who need absolute quiet.

E.E.: What drew you to write in the genre(s) you do?

I was drawn to write historical romances because I read them by the bushel full in the early 1980 and the 1990’s. (Am I telling my age here?) What’s not to love about historical romances? Alas, after I wrote fifteen of them, I grew weary of the old West, so I wrote a trilogy of Contemporary Romantic Suspense novels which were published in hardcover by Ballantine Books. Lover’s Lane, Heat Wave, and Heartbreak Hotel. Two of those titles will be re-issued by Bell Bridge Books, my current publisher, in the coming year.

Now I’m writing my Tiki Goddess Mystery series set on Kauai and loving it because comedy is something I always wanted to write. Much of the material in the stories reflects my own life here on the island and quirky island life in general (except for the murders, of course). Coming up with the adventures of the crazy old hula dancers who try to solve mysteries and wind up in a heap of trouble instead is so much fun that I almost don’t consider it work. I also include recipes for tropical cocktails and pupus (appetizers) in back of each book and we all have a great time taste testing the mixes.

Readers love the antics of the madcap Hula Maidens and keep begging for more. HAWAII FIVE UH-OH! Is the fifth book in the series and though I wasn’t sure I’d keep going, I have an idea for number six rattling around in my head.

Jill will be giving away two books: a print version and an eBook, winner's choice of the first book in the series, or this current release. Just leave a comment and enter the drawing!

What's your favorite kind of story to get lost in? Do you have a favorite genre?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

E.E.Burke

Award-winning author E.E. Burke writes romance from the heart woven with history the way it really happened in the wild American West. Her series Steam! Romance and Rails follows the stories of America's railroad dynasties.

8/25/2015

E.E. Burke's BEST OF THE WEST with award-winning author Jacquie Rogers

Secret lives, hidden dreams, and forbidden sex in the Old West—what’s a woman of nobility to do when a handsome rancher tears through her world like an Owyhee dust devil?

A British Aristocrat – Or is she? Lady Pearl Montford has performed in theatres all over the West for crowds of all sizes, but what would the world say if her secret was found out—thanks to an unsavory suitor from her past who wants either her—or $10,000.

A Frustrated Rancher – Rugged Josh McKinnon has a ranch to build, but is wrangled into playing opposite the snooty Brit in Shakespeare's ‘Much Ado about Nothing.’ Only thing is—how can he focus on his ranch when all he can think about is the way Pearl sits a horse?

Much Ado About ... Love?

With meddling family members and townsfolk playing Cupid, and horse rustlers causing a ruckus, Pearl and Josh have a heck of a time keeping their minds on the play and their hands off each other. When the curtain falls, will Pearl and Josh find love in the wild Idaho countryside?

"Meet a zany cast of characters in Jacquie Rogers' rollicking tale of trick riders, Shakespeare, and hidden identities." ~Nancy Radke, Author of the Traherns series.

Here's an excerpt:

Set up: Silver City citizens are all atwitter over the famous British actress, Lady Pearl Montford, who’s coming to town to perform Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing. Josh McKinnon is recovering from a gunshot wound, and is regretting that he’d let his sister talk him into the role of Benedick—especially now that he knows who’s playing the leading lady. Josh has just come from the saloon and is in his mother’s bookstore, helping out. Like the rest of the townsfolk, she’s excited about Lady Montford and hopes to have an opportunity to meet the noblewoman.

Characters mentioned: Lady Pearl Montford, Josh McKinnon, Esther (Josh’s mother), Vivvie (his sister), Kade (his brother), Doc (Vivvie’s husband), Iris (Kade’s wife).

Another thing about the gimp list that irked Josh—Vivvie, his sister, had roped him into taking the role while he was under the influence of laudanum. He’d played Benedick in high school, she’d argued, and he still knew the lines. Kade’s wife, Iris, who was also Vivvie’s best friend, was in on the conspiracy, and he strongly suspected Doc was, too. Josh fetched the broom from the storeroom.

When he returned, Esther said, “Did you read the newspaper?”

Josh grunted. Yes, he’d read it. The whole blasted front page was filled with Lady Pearl Montford this and Lady Pearl Montford that. The whole bloomin’ town, including his ma, was a’twitter. He couldn’t understand what the big to-do was about, and didn’t look forward to dealing with her bigheaded ways. If she thought for one minute he’d worship her just for breathing, she had another think coming.

“Lady Pearl Montford came in on the stage today, as planned.”

“I saw all those people in front of the hotel making damn fools of themselves over a piece of fluff.”

“Language! You better not curse around our honored guest.” Esther sniffed. “She’s staying at the Idaho Hotel. We saw her for a brief moment—very beautiful. It’ll be so wonderful to see you and Vivvie on stage with her! I hope she stops by the bookstore.”

“You and every other merchant in town.” Everywhere he went, people yammered on and on about the famous actress. Vivvie and Iris were ecstatic they’d been so lucky to book her. For the past two weeks, he couldn’t even have a drink at the Silver Slipper without someone yammering on about the British beauty who would grace their stage. And he’d met with no small amount of ribbing from just about everyone for his role as her leading man.

“She’s a famous actress, and she’s come to Silver City all the way from England!”

“She came from Denver.”

“Her last performance, yes, but she lives in London.”

Josh turned his back to sweep the side aisle. As he did, a lady entered, but he was in a hurry and set to his chore.

“I’ll have the latest issue of Myra’s Journal of Dress and Fashion, if you please,” she said with a clipped English accent.

Hmph. The star of the show. Josh kept sweeping with his back turned, not one whit interested in the actress’s arrogance, although he wouldn’t have minded getting a better look. He wasn’t about to give her the satisfaction, though.

“I’m sorry, Lady Montford,” Esther said, “but this store is only recently opened and we don’t have all our stock in yet. I’m afraid we don’t have a copy.”

“Oh. Very well, it’s to be expected.”

Josh ached to inform her that if she wanted to be catered to, she should’ve stayed in London where she belonged.

“Could you have your boy take a message for me?”

Boy? He stood at over six feet, had operated a mine for nearly two years, and had shot it out with bullion robbers. Boy?

“Why, of course.”

“Report to Mr. Joshua McKinnon. Inform him that there will be no private rehearsals and that I’ll be dining alone in my room.” In a lower voice, she said, “You know how men in these rustic villages assume they can take advantage.”

She hurried out, and Josh caught a glimpse of her. It didn’t take long to notice that Lady Pearl Montford was every bit as dazzling as advertised, and even more shapely. A couple of handfuls shapely, in fact. He turned to his mother, whose mouth was agape.

“The nerve of that woman!” Esther slammed a book onto the counter. “Talking about my son like that.”

Josh chuckled as he leaned on his broom. “Sounds like a dare.”

Meet Jacquie

Jacquie Rogers grew up on a dairy farm outside of Homedale, Idaho, in Owyhee County. She has fond memories of riding horseback all over the hills where her western historical romance series, Hearts of Owyhee, is set. Those hills held exciting adventures both real and imagined. She currently lives in suburbia with her IT Guy (also has a license to sleep with him), daughter, and four grandsons. Their home is ruled by The Cat Annie, a feral rescue, who enjoys tromping on the keyboard in the midst of action or love scenes.

Besides the Hearts of Owyhee series, Jacquie also writes a traditional western series, Muleskinners. Under the house name of Ford Fargo, she writes collaborative westerns with Western Fictioneers. She also writes fantasy romance and whatever else tickles her fancy.

Jacquie is a member of Romance Writers of America and Western Fictioneers. Her books have garnered several awards, the including the LASR Book of the Month for Mail-Order Tangle, a duet with Caroline Clemmons. In the Hearts of Owyhee series, Much Ado About Marshals won the RttA Award for Best Western Historical Romance, and Much Ado About Mustangs won the Laramie Award for Romance/Comedy.

You’re welcome to subscribe to her newsletter, the Pickle Barrel Gazette, and join her Facebook group, Jacquie Rogers’ Pickle Barrel Bar & Books.

Q&A

E.E.: How did you come up with the idea for Much Ado About Mustangs?

Jacquie: In the third Hearts of Owyhee book, Much Ado About Miners, the heroine was involved in theater, and one of the peripheral characters was obsessed with Shakespeare. Shakespeare was extremely popular in the Old West, especially in the north where there wasn’t a whole lot to do in the winter except to try to stay warm, and read. They read a lot. It was called Rocky Mountain University. (That term is still used today but now refers to survival skills.) A while later, I read a blog article about British nobility in the Old West, and I watched some trick riding on YouTube when I was looking for something else. Turns out, most of the tricks we see today came from the Cossacks. Somehow that all got scrambled together and the final product was Much Ado About Mustangs. I think it’s a somewhat magical process so can’t be totally explained.

E.E.: If a movie was made of Much Ado About Mustangs, who would be your dream cast?

Jacquie: Josh McKinnon would be played by Liam Helmsworth! (Wait a minute while I get some ice cubes.) For Lady Pearl Montford, I’d pick Rachel McAdams. Phineas Stratford, who was also in the third book, would be played by Gabby Hays, and Stephen Lang would be perfect for Old Man Linstad.

E.E.: What was the first thing you did when you finished Much Ado About Mustangs?

Jacquie: I messaged my critique partner and told her she had to buy me a margarita when we met in Deadwood. Then I messaged my editor and told her it was coming. When my IT Guy got home from work, I made him take me out to a seafood and wine dinner, even though it was a weekday—talk about wild and crazy. And when we got back, I cleaned the bathroom, then started plotting another story while I folded a week’s worth of laundry.

E.E.: What’s your favorite kind of story to get lost in?

Jacquie: An ideal story for me is an adventure that’s funny, takes me out of my world (might be why I love historicals and fantasies so much), and lets me journey right along with the protagonist(s). I love genre blends and one of my favorites is western historical fantasy romance. I also love to read adventure stories with a drool-worthy hero and a kick-ass female protagonist who’s realistic, even if she has magic. There needs to be a seed of universal truth there. And of course I absolutely require a happy ending.

E.E.: What are the next five books on your ‘to be read’ pile?

Jacquie: I’m currently reading The Gunsmith: Trouble in Tombstone by J. R. Roberts (Robert J. Randisi). He has published 404 books in that series which just blows me away. In line are: Stone Mountain, Texas – Winter Bride by Caroline Clemmons (I love all her books), Into the Land of Shadows by Kristy McCaffery, The Traherns: The Toughest Man in the Territory by Nancy Radke, Tame a Wild Heart by Cynthia Woolf, and Last Chance Canyon by James Reasoner. Actually, there are over 500 unread books on my Kindle so that list might change.

E.E.: Is there a blooper in your story?

Jacquie: Not that I know of, but there’s a blooper in the series. In the second book, Mrs. Gardner’s first name is Betty. In the third book, it’s Hazel. And yes, it’s published that way. I’m going to fix that (her name is supposed to be Hazel) and upload a new file, but first I have two novels and a short story to write before September 30. Not one reader has mentioned it, so that’s a relief. Um, I bet they will now!