~ MELINDA DOZIER IS BREAKING THE RULES IN HER NEW ROMANCE ~ I'M SO TELLING ON HER!

Please welcome the lovely Melinda Dozier to my blog today!

Melinda, what is something you struggle with when you write?

Time! I’m not a full-time writer (oh how I wish I could be!) so I have to find the time to fit it in. It’s not something a mom, wife, teacher can do easily. Luckily, my family is very supportive!

I hear you, sister! Now give us a brief glimpse at your road to publication.

2013 is my debut year! Lucky #13! My first novel, Time Changes Everything, was published in May from Entranced Publishing. I also wrote a prequel, The Boy Next Door, which is more Young Adult and it’s free at Smashwords. My third novel, Breaking the Rules, was released on July 8 from Crimson Romance. I’m just finishing up two novellas that will be available at the end of the year! Lots of writing happening this year!

That's exciting! Best of luck with all of that! Do you have a job outside of writing? What is it and how does it mesh with your writing?

I am a middle school English teacher at an American School in Central America. I love teaching the two important parts of my life – reading and writing. My number one goal as a teacher is to motivate my students and to find a love for reading!

Where in Central America do you live? Where would you love to live?

I’ve lived in Guatemala, with my college sweetheart, for about 16 years. Although I’m an ex-pat, I dream of retiring in the US one day, particularly Florida (St. Pete area).

I see you like things hot! Share with us a little about your family. Married? Kids? Pets?

Being a boy mom keeps me busy, but I love it! Luckily, I have my dog Bella to even things out.

Now, just for fun, what was one of the best Christmas presents you ever received?

My Kindle Fire!

What CD is in your CD player right now?

Although I don’t use a CD player, I do have a playlist for every book I write. The current manuscript is about a snowboarder, so I have several songs amped up and ready to go. The theme song for this Olympic Snowboarding novella is “Got the World in My Hands” by Taio Cruz.

Name your favorite children's story.

Goodnight Moon – It brings back a lot of sweet memories with my children.

What was your nickname growing up or now?

Mindy

What are your three favorite smells?

Fresh cut cilantro, ocean breeze, cucumber

Those are three new ones! You obviously like those fresh, crisp smells. Thanks for being my guest!

Thanks so much for having me today! It’s been fun!

Now here's a little more about Melinda's book:

Blurb

A forbidden love affair in the past has led Hope

Robinson, a middle school principal, to Harbor Bay, Florida, where she commits herself to play by the rules. This can be difficult for a perpetual klutz, who—even strapped in a cast—has to uphold a competent attitude at all times.

Luckily, she has Dr. Colin Calaway on her side, a widower and father of a student, who is ready to give love another try. When Colin convinces Hope they should explore the connection between them, a steamy romance develops, though it could destroy them both. They must decide if their jobs—and their hearts—are worth the risk.

Sensuality Level: Sensual

Excerpt

He shook his head. “I can’t believe we’re doing this.”

“Doing what?” She looked around, confusion in her eyes.

“Talking about the weather.” He scooted closer to her, making her back up toward the railing.

“Colin—” A warning came from her mouth.

He scooted her all the way back. “You can’t go around saying stuff like you did back there and just pretend nothing’s happening.”

“I’m sorry, Colin. I didn’t think before I spoke.”

He put his arms around her, holding onto the rail. “Sometimes it’s better to just speak what’s on your mind.” He lifted one hand and caressed her cheek. “Damn it, Hope. Life is too short to ignore the truth and the truth is that we are extremely attracted to each other.”

She opened her mouth, then closed it before saying anything. He was right, but she didn’t know what to do about it.

“Don’t deny it.” He brought his thumb down and touched her bottom lip.

Leaning into his touch, she said, “Remember we’re just friends.”

He shook his head. “To hell with friends, Hope. I haven’t felt like this in so long.” He placed his forehead on hers and leaned in more. Enough that she could feel his quickened breath on her chin.

 “Me too.” She sighed. Leaning back, she looked in his eyes. “I know it’s not fair, but we can’t.”

“I’m not going to lie—this is freakin’ frustrating.” He scraped his hand over his face. “I mean, I haven’t been on a date in months, because I just don’t feel it with anyone. Then, when I do feel ‘it,’ I can’t do anything about it.”

She looked down. “I feel the same way and I’m frustrated, too.”

“Then why are we ignoring it? Even the tarot card lady said we should be more than friends.”

She rolled her eyes. “Oh, and she is a knowledgeable source to trust.”

“Just hear me out, Hope.” He stroked her hair, causing her heart to beat faster. “We’ve had an amazing afternoon together.” He pointed back and forth between them. “This is who we really are. You. Me. Hope and Colin. Just two people having an incredible time together. See how much fun we can have if we forget all the labels? No principal, parent, doctor bull crap. Just us.”

She sighed and looked into his eyes. “It has been a great day.”

“You need to just stop thinking about all the reasons why we shouldn’t be together and look at the one reason why we should.” He held her chin up. “Us.”

         

Author Bio

Melinda Dozier lives in Guatemala, Central

America, with her husband, three boys and German Shepherd.  She enjoys being the queen of her household and dreams of being pampered fully by her boys once they’re grown. Learn more about her at www.melindadozier.com.

You can also find Melinda on twitter at www.twitter.com/melindadozier or Facebook at www.facebook.com/melindadoz

LINKS:

Crimson Website: http://www.crimsonromance.com/upcoming-releases-romance-ebook/breaking-the-rules/

Blog: http://melindadozier.blogspot.com

Website: www.melindadozier.com

BUY LINKS:

AMAZON: http://goo.gl/o3Chm

B&N: http://goo.gl/xApGh

iTUNES: http://goo.gl/T94cX

KOBO: http://goo.gl/PtCZX

GIVEAWAY:

Melinda is giving away an ecopy of Breaking the Rules and winners choice of a Yankees or Red Sox baseball cap through her tour wide giveaway. Winners must enter via Rafflecopter and will be chosen on July 27.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~ONE OF MY FAVORITE DELETED SCENES~

*          *          *

            Hours later, the doctor, now grimfaced, came back.  As they rolled Cassie away for another CT scan, a nurse spoke to them, “Mrs. Donovan.  We can find a place for you to lie down, if you’d like.  You haven’t slept since you got here.”

            “No, no.  I’m fine.  I want to wait for her right here,” as the nurse turned to go, Beth touched her arm.  “I want to thank you, for all you’ve done.”

            “That’s quite all right, Mrs. Donovan,” the nurse laid her hand on top of Beth’s.  “I understand this is particularly difficult because your husband was here, when he passed away.”  Chad blinked in surprise.  “If there’s anything we can do, just let us know.”

            “Thank you.  You’ve been so kind.”

            “That’s our job.  Your daughter’s probably going to be gone awhile.  You may want to close your eyes and get some sleep, or perhaps go down to the cafeteria for a bite.”  The nurse looked at Chad to make sure he understood before she left.

            “Why don’t we go down and get some food?”

            Beth’s response was automatic.  “I’m not hungry.” But after a beat she added remorsefully, “But Chad, you must be.  I never even thanked you for coming.  And it’s Sunday, what time’s your show in Chicago?”

            “I canceled it.”

            Beth’s eyes grew wide.  “Oh, no, Chad.  You can’t do that.”

            “It’s already been done,” he told her firmly.

            “But--”

            “When Roger called earlier, he said the promoters were thrilled.  They were thinking of canceling anyway because there was a huge ice storm in Chicago.  This just made their decision easier.”

            “Your fans will be so disappointed.”

            “Don’t worry.  We already rescheduled it and the venue is giving them an additional $25 off the ticket price.  See, so everybody’s happy.”  He gave her a squeeze.

            “Chad,” she said seriously, “I’m so glad you’re here.”

            “I wouldn’t be anywhere else.  So, come on.  Let’s go down to the cafeteria, even if it’s just to stretch our legs.”

            She consented, imagining his long legs must be cramped.  When they got there, Beth ended up ordering a cup of cocoa and a yogurt.  Chad watched as she downed the yogurt within minutes.  He finished up his bacon and eggs while she sat staring into her mug, her hands cupped around it for warmth.  Chad studied her for several minutes before leaning across the table to take her hand.

            “It’s going to be all right, you know.”

            She nodded.

            He hesitated, not knowing if he should broach the subject.  “I didn’t know your husband had come here.”

            Again she nodded.  She swirled the cocoa in her cup without looking up.  “Paul was gone before he even got here.  But I had to come up…and make arrangements.”  She glanced up at him for the first time and remarked, “It was a drunk driver.  So senseless.”  She shook her head and stared down into the depths of her mug again.  “So, now I help out with driver’s education classes.  It’s my way of trying to stop it from happening to someone else.” She shrugged, then, raised her head again. “Do you mind if we go back up now?  I want to be there when she gets out of radiology.”

            “Sure,” he responded, surprised.  He had thought of her as fragile, vulnerable, but now he could see how truly tough she was.

*          *          *

            Chad could tell by the weight of her head, and the steady breathing, Beth had finally fallen asleep.  He sat as still as he could, knowing she needed the rest.  He could see Cassie’s bed coming down the hall, but the nurse signaled to not wake Beth yet.  “The doctor will want to read the tests first,” she whispered. 

            Chad settled back in, until the doctor came out.  “Beth…” Chad murmured.   She was awake in an instant.

            “Well, I have good news, Beth.”  Chad noted his use of a more familiar name; it must be good.  “Our latest CT shows the swelling has actually gone down.  I feel fairly certain there won’t be any permanent brain damage.”

            Beth threw her arms around him.  “Thank you, doctor!  Thank you!”

            “Well, well,” he replied, appearing both surprised and embarrassed.  “It wasn’t my doing, I can assure you.  Your daughter is a fighter.  And I think your time with her may have helped, too.  You can go in if you’d like.”

            “Thank you,” Beth repeated, rushing forward.

            As Chad moved to pass him, the doctor put a hand on his shoulder.  “Hey, uh…I just bet all the nurses twenty dollars you weren’t Chad Evans of Trapped Under Ice….”

            Chad leaned in and whispered, “Then if I were you, I’d either be ready to get my wallet out, or find a good place to hide.”  He grinned and followed Beth into the room.

            “Damn!” the doctor said, still smiling.